AMRITSAR SAHIB – While India celebrated its 59th “independence” day, on the other hand, various Sikh groups in Punjab observed the martyrdom day of Gurmej Singh Babbar alias Dalip Singh Chachowali, who died 14 years ago fighting for Sikh independence from Indian yoke.
The gathering of diehard Sikhs at the native village of Gurmej Singh, 40 kilometres from Amritsar city, was a clear indicator that the spirit of freedom in Sikhs had not diminished at all. It was also a reminder of the fact that respect for martyrs of the struggle had found a permanent place in the psyche of the community.
Representatives of Panthic bodies namely Dal Khalsa, SAD (Amritsar), Akand Kirtani Jatha and Akal Federation, who reached the venue to pay rich tributes to Sardar Gurmej Singh, eulogized his contribution towards the struggle.
“This day, India got its independence 59 years ago while Sikhs continue to face slavery under a different dispensation. The Sikhs as such have not yet seen the much promised glow of freedom. Rather they are still reeling under the jackboots of brown imperialists. We are facing genocide in all its raw forms at the hands of the Indian state agencies since India gained its freedom”. This was the crux of the feelings expressed by all leaders of four ‘Sikh Nationalist’ groups who spoke during the function.
Prof Jagmohan Singh, Kanwar Pal Singh, Narian Singh, and others presented a Siropa to the father, wife and son of the young and dynamic martyr, acknowledging his services and contribution to the Sikh independence movement. Speaker after speaker reminded the Sangat of the hardships his family had to face during the course of his rebellion. Advocate Bhagwan Singh Sailka and Sarbjit Singh also spoke on the occasion.
Dal Khalsa has decided to continue such gatherings in memory of the martyrs to inspire the Sikhs to carry on with the mission. Next in the series would be the observance of 18th martyrdom day of Bhai Iqbal Singh Babbar alias Bala on 27 August 2006 at his native village, Raipur, district Amritsar.
Source: Panthic Weekly News (www.panthic.org)
Wednesday 16th of August 2006
Related:
August 31st marks the Shaheedi Divas of Mahaan Bhai Dilavar Singh Babbar, not to be forgotten