By: Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer Professor of Sikh Studies
On April 12, 1994, Manjit Singh led a so: called “Khalsa March” from Sultanpur to ‘Talwandi Sabo, On April 13.On April 12, the Government released Bhai Jasbir Singh (who was in jail on charges of an illegal ‘arms deals), It was believed that the Government wanted to create disturbances at e Damdama Sahib in the name of two cares takers of Akal Takht Sahib, Bhai Jasbir Singh, however, could do nothing. At the function, in a dramatic statement, Bhai Maniit Singh asked the Presidents of all the Akali Dals to submit their resignations to Akal Takhit so that one Akali Dal maybe formed. The next day, Bhai Manjit Singh said that he had not demanded resignations but letters from the Akali Dals expressing their loyalty to Akal Takht Sahib and also that they shall obey the decision of Akal Takht Sahib sincerely and fully, On April 17, 1994, Badal wrote f Jeter to Akal Takht Sahib asking him to interfere for unity among the Akali Dals. Badal wanted that this issue should ‘be left to the verdict of the Sikh nation. (Later, on May 6, Badal submitted another letter instead of this one). On April 18. 1994, three former Advocate Generals of Punjab (Ajit Singh Sarhadi, ‘Harcharan S. Matewaal, Gurdarshan S. *Grewal), in a joint letter, told Bhai Manjit inch that in view of the decision of the ‘Supreme Court, the question of the unity ‘of Akali Dal would create legal problems for the new organization. On April 18, Surinder Singh, a supporter of Badal, filed a petition in the court of Additional Judge.
Ajnala, to stop Bhai Manjit Singh from interfering in Akali politics. The court served a notice to Bhai Manjit. Singh to appear in court on May 3, 1994, Surinder Singh withdrew the petition on April 26,
On April 21, 1994, Badal resigned the President ship of his Akali Dal, formed in five member Presidium and went to an ‘undisclosed place, The next day the Pre sidium comprising of Kuldoep Singh Wadala, Parkash Singh Majithin, Ranjit Singh Brahampuro, Gurdey Singh Badal, Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa announced suspension of all political activities of their ‘Akali Dal for an indefinite time. On April 25 the leaders of the Akali Dals, except! The Bodal proup, visited Akal Takht Sahib.
The caretaker of Akal Takht Sahib asked the leaders to perform five days” religious service for purification of their souls. It included listening to singing of hymns, cleaning dishes in Langar, cleaning shoes in a Gurdwara, cleaning the floor of the periphery of Darbar Sahib etc., Later, they were told to do this Sewa every month (Gimranject Singh Mann was the only ‘person who acted upon it completely. The ‘others did it once or twice, Amarinder Singh never did join).
On April 29, 1994, Ragi Darshan Singh appeared as a witness in the case of Sikh Foundation of Virginia vs. Narinder Singh. The caretaker of Akal Takht Sahib cannot appear in any court of law.! Ragi Darshan Singh, not only appeared in violation of the protocol, but also appeared as a witness against Akal Takht Sahib. Bhai Manjit Singh was duly informed about this but he dared not say a word. He should have summoned Ragi Darshan Singh to reprimand him for appearing in and thus violating the discus Takht Sahib. On April 30, 1994, John L. Pai Commissioner of Canada in India, v Darbar Sahib and Akal Takht joined the Akali leaders: in clear shoes of the pilgrims. Mr. Painter met Akali Yoaders anil the caretaker of Akal Teakht Sahib. ‘Now, Bhai Manjit Singh resume one Badal at Akal Takht Sahib, to present himself, on May 2, 1994, (Later the date ‘was postponed to May 6).
On May 2, 1994, Bhai Manjit Singh announced the formation of a united Akali dal under the name of “Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar).” A. six member adhoc Committee was formed comprising Simranject Singh Maan, Jugdev Singh Talwandi, Manjit Singh (brother of Bl Amrik Singh), Jasmer Singh Bala, ‘Amarinder Singh and Surjit Bamala, A place was left for Badal, (Later this Committees added Sukhjinder Singh as a seventh member). A manifesto of the new organization was released. According to the manifesto Akuli Dal stood for the formation of “Confederation” of India and the Sikh nation and, if this was not to be acceded to then the organization will struggle for an independent Sikh country. Though the manifesto was vague and confusing it was a good gesture. The Baba Joginder Singh group, which was not represented in the new Dal resented that Maan had joined hands with the enemies ‘of Panth and had renounced the goal of the freedom of the Sikh nation. Bhai Atinderpal Singh called this manifesto self-contradictory and confusing. ‘Amarinder Singh said that the manifesto was almost the““Asnandpur Sahib resolution” and nothing more. Simranjeet Singh Maan said that the manifesto was for Khalistan, But, Surjit Bamala later said that the resolution had nothing to do with Khalistan. On May 6, Badal appeared at Akal Takht ‘Sahib, He was accompanied by hundreds of followers and a few relatives of Bhai Manjit Singh, the caretaker of Akal Takht Sahib. After a dialogue of two and a half hours, nothing was finalized. In spite of this, Badal was not given any instructions. Bhai Manjit Singh said nothing about the meeting and left it all on the verdict of the Sikh Panth. On the other hand Badal said that Bhai Manjit Singh had allowed their ‘Akali Dal to function independently. The next day, Bhai Manjit Singh denied that he had allowed Badal Akali Dal to function independently. Bhai Manjit Singh, however, took no clear stand on the issue and tried to avoid it.
To be continued
Article extracted from this publication >> July 7, 1995
