CHANDIGARH: In a dramatic development Punjab Government arrested Bhai Mohkam Singh, Convener of the five member Supreme Committee appointed by the Sarbat Khalsa convention of January 26, 1986, Bhai Mohkam Singh is also the acting Chief of the Damdami Taksal, He is generally regarded as the torchbearer of late Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwal’s mission.

 He was arrested while on his way to Anandpur Sahib where he was schedule to address the Hola Mohalla congregation of the Sikhs. Anandpur Sahib is the second most important Shrine of the Sikhs. Thousands of Sikhs had collected at Anandpur Sahib to listen to Bhai Mohkam Singh. Government sources apprehended takeover of Anandpur Sahib by Damami Taksal and Federation workers, to prevent this, Bhai Mohkam Singh was arrested.

Meanwhile pressure is being mounted in Delhi on Rajiv Gandhi to impose Central rule in Punjab as reports of escalating violence keep pouring in the Union Capital. Two security forces personnel were killed near Amritsar and a village is under siege to apprehend the killers. Curfew has been extended in Jullundur, Batala, Nakodar and Muktsar. Tension between Hindus and Sikhs is increasing and violent clashes have ‘occurred at many places. Incidents of stabbing, arson and killing are multiplying. Congress circles in Delhi have expressed their dissatisfaction with Bamala Government’s ability to control the deteriorating situation.

‘The opposition leader’s convention at Jind, which was convened by former Haryana Chief Minister, Mr, Devi Lal, has urged Rajiv Gandhi to abrogate Punjab accord and restore the award given by his mother, Indira Gandhi, Mr. Devi Lal has threatened to launch a civil disobedience movement if the Central Government failed to abrogate the accord. Political circles, however, consider Jind convention as another maneuver engineered by Rajiv Gandhi himself to further postpone the implementation of the accord, these circles also do not rule out the possibility of Indian Confrontation with Pakistan to distract “the people from Increasing dissatisfaction with the ‘economic policies of the government. Besides, Rajiv is also faced with ‘a serious challenge within his Party. Ominous voices in the capital suggest a sharp power struggle in which many heads can roll and Contending groups might surface Soon leading to an open clash or even split in the party.

Article extracted from this publication >> March 28, 1986