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| '''Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale''' or '''Jarnail Singh Brar''' ({{lang-pa|ਜਰਨੈਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਭਿੰਡਰਾਂਵਾਲੇ/ਬਰਾੜ}}; ], ]–], ]) was the leader of ], a ] organisation based in ]. | '''Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale''' or '''Jarnail Singh Brar''' ({{lang-pa|ਜਰਨੈਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਭਿੰਡਰਾਂਵਾਲੇ/ਬਰਾੜ}}; ], ]–], ]) was the leader of ], a ] organisation based in ]. | ||
| ==Early life== | ==Early life== | ||
| Bhindranwale was born in the village of Rode, ] district, ], India. He was the seventh of eight brothers, the family were brought up as strict vegetarians |
Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale was born in the village of Rode, ] district, ], India. He was the seventh of eight brothers, the family were brought up as strict vegetarians. | ||
| ==Rise to popularity== | ==Rise to popularity== | ||
| In Punjab, the ] party followed a strategy of alternating communal incitement and appeasement, which were based on a desire for the popular vote and a control of the religious affairs of the Sikhs through the ] (SGPC). The SGPC is the body that administered Sikh religious affairs and places of worship. This explosive mix of politics and manipulation of religious identities and communities succeeded in bringing the fringe of the Sikh far right into the forefront of State politics. |
In Punjab, the ] party followed a strategy of alternating communal incitement and appeasement, which were based on a desire for the popular vote and a control of the religious affairs of the Sikhs through the ] (SGPC). The SGPC is the body that administered Sikh religious affairs and places of worship. This explosive mix of politics and manipulation of religious identities and communities succeeded in bringing the fringe of the Sikh far right into the forefront of State politics. | ||
| Wherever he went, he carried Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib's message to every home exhorting Sikhs to receive amrit, observe the Sikh appearance given by the Guru, and live according to the teaches of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee. Tavleen Singh tells us: “His Philosophy in six words was nashey chaddo, amrit chhako, Gursikh bano.” (give up addictions, receive amrit, become good Sikhs). He defined his own mission as follows: | |||
| “My mission is to administer Amrit; to explain the meanings of Gurbani and to teach Gurbani to those around me; …. that a Hindu should be a true Hindi, a Muslim should be a true Muslim and a Sikh should be a true Sikh.” | |||
| His preaching was based on love. He said: | |||
| “If we speak to someone with hatred and try to assert our superiority, it will create hatred in the minds of everyone. So long as we have the spirit of love, so long as we have the support of Satguru Hargobind Singh, the master of Miri and Piri, is there any power on Earth that can subdue us?” | |||
| He wanted the Sikhs to “come back to Anandpur, their home” by receiving Amrit and become his brothers and sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. | |||
| ==Role in the militancy== | ==Role in the militancy== | ||
| Bhindranwale was widely perceived to be a supporter for the creation of a proposed sikhism-based ] state of Khalistan. However, in a ] interview, he stated that if the government agreed to the creation of such a state, he would not refuse reflecting deliberate ambiguity. Other quotes attributed to Bhindranwale include 'we are not in favour of Khalistan nor are we against it.' Responding to its formation he is quoted as saying, 'We won't reject it. We shall not repeat 1947.' to which he added, 'if the Indian Government invaded the Darbar Sahib complex, the foundation for an independent Sikh state will have been laid.' |
Bhindranwale was widely perceived to be a supporter for the creation of a proposed sikhism-based ] state of Khalistan. However, in a ] interview, he stated that if the government agreed to the creation of such a state, he would not refuse reflecting deliberate ambiguity. Other quotes attributed to Bhindranwale include 'we are not in favour of Khalistan nor are we against it.' Responding to its formation he is quoted as saying, 'We won't reject it. We shall not repeat 1947.' to which he added, 'if the Indian Government invaded the Darbar Sahib complex, the foundation for an independent Sikh state will have been laid.'Mark Tully and Satish Jacob state that “In spite of the Government's propaganda, to many people Bhindranwale remained a sant, or holy man, not a terrorist.” | ||
| Back in 1978, it was alleged he was involved in a confrontation with ] Sikhs, it was during this confrontation, that led to the murder of 3 Nirankaris and 13 members of the Akhand Kirtani Jatha. The ] named 22 persons, several of whom were known associates of Bhindranwale. In 1981, the leader of Nirankaris was killed and Bhindranwale was implicated in ordering the assassination. He was later released without charge by the courts. It has been alleged that Bhindranwale's ordered the killing of ], the proprietor of the ], publishers of the popular daily, ]. Narain had written some negative articles about Bhindranwale. Following this, ] was found killed. Staff of his newspaper and it's distributors were targeted for some months and 62 people linked to the paper were also murdered. | |||
| Back in 1978, it was alleged he was involved in a confrontation with ] Sikhs, it was during this confrontation, that led to the murder of 13 members of the Akhand Kirtani Jatha.It was on April 13th 1978, on the day of Vaisakhi when Bhindranwale’s Jatha and members of the Akhand Kirtani Jatha lead by Bhai Fauja Singh on hearing that a heretical sect (called Nirankaries) were mocking their faith and insulting the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji decided to hold a peaceful protest march to the place where the so called Nirankaries were gathering. These Nirankaries were receiving help and financial support from the Congress government with the intention of dividing and disrupting the Sikhs. On reaching the gathering the Sikhs were fired upon by the Nirankaries resulting in the deaths of 13 Sikhs including Bhai Fauja Singh and injury to a further 80. The police either looked on or took part in the massacre and later the government prevented the case from being heard in the High Court.It was after this tragic and deplorable incident that Sant Bhindranwale came to the forefront of events in Punjab and led the Sikhs in airing their grievances against the Central Government. In Brahmin India hundreds of people belonging to minorities were being killed, intimidated, discriminated against, exploited and eliminated systematically by the regime of New Delhi. Sant Bhindranwale invited the Sikhs to rise and raise their voices against the tyrant rulers as the law of the land had failed to give justice to them: His message was plain "follow the Satguru". However because people had strayed so far from the true path of Sikhi any attempt to bring people back to that path was considered extreme. The ] named 22 persons, several of whom were known associates of Bhindranwale. In 1981, the leader of Nirankaris was killed and Bhindranwale was implicated in ordering the assassination. He was later released without charge by the courts. It has been alleged that Bhindranwale's ordered the killing of ], the proprietor of the ], publishers of the popular daily, ]. Narain had written some anti-Sikh and negative articles about Bhindranwale. Following this, ] was found killed. Staff of his newspaper and it's distributors were targeted . | |||
| ==Arrest and release== | ==Arrest and release== | ||
| On September 20, 1981, Bhindranwale was arrested on charges of Lala Jagat Narain's murder |
On September 20, 1981, Bhindranwale was arrested on charges of Lala Jagat Narain's murder. Over the next 25 days, sporadic fights erupted in some areas where Bhindranwale's accomplices gathered, while Bhindranwale was held in custody other incidents took place including the hijacking of an ] plane to ]. | ||
| Bhindranwale was released on bail on October 15 as India's Home Minister, Giani Zail Singh announced in Parliament that there was no evidence against Bhindrawale |
Bhindranwale was released on bail on October 15 as India's Home Minister, Giani Zail Singh announced in Parliament that there was no evidence against Bhindrawale. In a public statement issued soon after, Bhindranwale expressed his approval for Lala Jagat Narain's murder. | ||
| ==Death== | ==Death== | ||
| On ], ] Indian Prime Minister ] initiated ] and ordered the ] to surround the Golden Temple complex to flush out militants. It was widely reported that Bhindranwale did not survive the operation and is thus regarded as a "martyr" by |
On ], ] Indian Prime Minister ] initiated ] and ordered the ] to surround the Golden Temple complex to flush out militants. It was widely reported that Bhindranwale did not survive the operation and is thus regarded as a "martyr" by Sikhs. The SGPC, the highest religious body of Sikhs, has given him the status of martyr. | ||
| According to ] Kuldip Singh Brar, who commanded the operation, the body of Bhindranwale was identified by a number of agencies, including the police, the Intelligence Bureau and militants in the Army's custody. Bhindranwale's brother is also reported to have identified Bhindranwale's body. Pictures of what appear to be Bhindranwale's body have been published in at least two widely circulated books, ''Tragedy of Punjab: Operation Bluestar and After'' and ''Amritsar: Mrs Gandhi's Last Battle''). ] correspondent ] also reported seeing Bhindranwale's battered body during his funeral. | According to ] Kuldip Singh Brar, who commanded the operation, the body of Bhindranwale was identified by a number of agencies, including the police, the Intelligence Bureau and militants in the Army's custody. Bhindranwale's brother is also reported to have identified Bhindranwale's body. Pictures of what appear to be Bhindranwale's body have been published in at least two widely circulated books, ''Tragedy of Punjab: Operation Bluestar and After'' and ''Amritsar: Mrs Gandhi's Last Battle''). ] correspondent ] also reported seeing Bhindranwale's battered body during his funeral. | ||
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| == External Links and References == | == External Links and References == | ||
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Revision as of 09:13, 20 October 2006
Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale or Jarnail Singh Brar (Template:Lang-pa; 12 February, 1947–6 June, 1984) was the leader of Damdami Taksal, a Sikh organisation based in India.
Early life
Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale was born in the village of Rode, Faridkot district, Punjab, India. He was the seventh of eight brothers, the family were brought up as strict vegetarians.
Rise to popularity
In Punjab, the Congress(I) party followed a strategy of alternating communal incitement and appeasement, which were based on a desire for the popular vote and a control of the religious affairs of the Sikhs through the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC). The SGPC is the body that administered Sikh religious affairs and places of worship. This explosive mix of politics and manipulation of religious identities and communities succeeded in bringing the fringe of the Sikh far right into the forefront of State politics. Wherever he went, he carried Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib's message to every home exhorting Sikhs to receive amrit, observe the Sikh appearance given by the Guru, and live according to the teaches of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee. Tavleen Singh tells us: “His Philosophy in six words was nashey chaddo, amrit chhako, Gursikh bano.” (give up addictions, receive amrit, become good Sikhs). He defined his own mission as follows:
“My mission is to administer Amrit; to explain the meanings of Gurbani and to teach Gurbani to those around me; …. that a Hindu should be a true Hindi, a Muslim should be a true Muslim and a Sikh should be a true Sikh.”
His preaching was based on love. He said:
“If we speak to someone with hatred and try to assert our superiority, it will create hatred in the minds of everyone. So long as we have the spirit of love, so long as we have the support of Satguru Hargobind Singh, the master of Miri and Piri, is there any power on Earth that can subdue us?”
He wanted the Sikhs to “come back to Anandpur, their home” by receiving Amrit and become his brothers and sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib.
Role in the militancy
Bhindranwale was widely perceived to be a supporter for the creation of a proposed sikhism-based theocratic state of Khalistan. However, in a BBC interview, he stated that if the government agreed to the creation of such a state, he would not refuse reflecting deliberate ambiguity. Other quotes attributed to Bhindranwale include 'we are not in favour of Khalistan nor are we against it.' Responding to its formation he is quoted as saying, 'We won't reject it. We shall not repeat 1947.' to which he added, 'if the Indian Government invaded the Darbar Sahib complex, the foundation for an independent Sikh state will have been laid.'Mark Tully and Satish Jacob state that “In spite of the Government's propaganda, to many people Bhindranwale remained a sant, or holy man, not a terrorist.”
Back in 1978, it was alleged he was involved in a confrontation with Nirankari Sikhs, it was during this confrontation, that led to the murder of 13 members of the Akhand Kirtani Jatha.It was on April 13th 1978, on the day of Vaisakhi when Bhindranwale’s Jatha and members of the Akhand Kirtani Jatha lead by Bhai Fauja Singh on hearing that a heretical sect (called Nirankaries) were mocking their faith and insulting the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji decided to hold a peaceful protest march to the place where the so called Nirankaries were gathering. These Nirankaries were receiving help and financial support from the Congress government with the intention of dividing and disrupting the Sikhs. On reaching the gathering the Sikhs were fired upon by the Nirankaries resulting in the deaths of 13 Sikhs including Bhai Fauja Singh and injury to a further 80. The police either looked on or took part in the massacre and later the government prevented the case from being heard in the High Court.It was after this tragic and deplorable incident that Sant Bhindranwale came to the forefront of events in Punjab and led the Sikhs in airing their grievances against the Central Government. In Brahmin India hundreds of people belonging to minorities were being killed, intimidated, discriminated against, exploited and eliminated systematically by the regime of New Delhi. Sant Bhindranwale invited the Sikhs to rise and raise their voices against the tyrant rulers as the law of the land had failed to give justice to them: His message was plain "follow the Satguru". However because people had strayed so far from the true path of Sikhi any attempt to bring people back to that path was considered extreme. The FIR named 22 persons, several of whom were known associates of Bhindranwale. In 1981, the leader of Nirankaris was killed and Bhindranwale was implicated in ordering the assassination. He was later released without charge by the courts. It has been alleged that Bhindranwale's ordered the killing of Lala Jagat Narain, the proprietor of the Hind Samachar Group, publishers of the popular daily, Punjab Kesri. Narain had written some anti-Sikh and negative articles about Bhindranwale. Following this, Lala Jagat Narain was found killed. Staff of his newspaper and it's distributors were targeted .
Arrest and release
On September 20, 1981, Bhindranwale was arrested on charges of Lala Jagat Narain's murder. Over the next 25 days, sporadic fights erupted in some areas where Bhindranwale's accomplices gathered, while Bhindranwale was held in custody other incidents took place including the hijacking of an Indian Airlines plane to Lahore.
Bhindranwale was released on bail on October 15 as India's Home Minister, Giani Zail Singh announced in Parliament that there was no evidence against Bhindrawale. In a public statement issued soon after, Bhindranwale expressed his approval for Lala Jagat Narain's murder.
Death
On 3 June, 1984 Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi initiated Operation Bluestar and ordered the Indian Army to surround the Golden Temple complex to flush out militants. It was widely reported that Bhindranwale did not survive the operation and is thus regarded as a "martyr" by Sikhs. The SGPC, the highest religious body of Sikhs, has given him the status of martyr.
According to Lieutenant General Kuldip Singh Brar, who commanded the operation, the body of Bhindranwale was identified by a number of agencies, including the police, the Intelligence Bureau and militants in the Army's custody. Bhindranwale's brother is also reported to have identified Bhindranwale's body. Pictures of what appear to be Bhindranwale's body have been published in at least two widely circulated books, Tragedy of Punjab: Operation Bluestar and After and Amritsar: Mrs Gandhi's Last Battle). BBC correspondent Mark Tully also reported seeing Bhindranwale's battered body during his funeral.
People who maintain that he survived the operation include Dilbir Singh, the Public Relations Advisor at Guru Nanak Dev University. He stated that Bhindranwale was injured on the right side of his temple. R.K. Bajaj, a correspondent for Surya magazine, claimed to have seen a photograph of Bhindranwale in custody. This claim is strongly contested, especially by Jarnail Singh's son who has now become a prominent figure within Sikh politics. Some within the Damdami Taksal claimed he was in hiding in Pakistan.
External Links and References
- Bhindranwale, Indira Gandhi, and the Sikh Struggles vs Indian Government. Website of the Sikh Coalition
- Knights of Falsehood - by K.P.s. Gill, former D.G.P. Punjab
- "Oh, That Other Hindu Riot of Passage - an article by Khushwant Singh
- From Bhindranwale to Bin Laden: The Rise of Religious Violence
- BBC Report
]
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