Bhai Bhag Singh (? – 29.12.1705) was a resident of Jhabal (district Amritsar). He was in direct line of Bhai Pero Shah, brother of Bhai Langah (a dedicated Sikh of the time of Guru Arjan Sahib and Guru Hargobind Sahib). When he, and the other Sikhs of Jhabal, came to know about the exodus of the Sikhs from Aanandpur Sahib, they went to see Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. They met Guru Sahib, on December 29, 1705, near village Rupe-ana. Bhai Bhag Singh offered to mediate between Guru Sahib and the Mogul regime. Guru Sahib rejected the offer. At this Bhag Singh became angry and said if Guru Sahib did not bother for their suggestion they (he and his companions) would disclaim relations with Guru Sahib. Guru Sahib asked them that if they did not have faith in him (Guru Sahib), then they should pen it down. Guru Sahib placed paper and pencil before them. Bhai Bhag Singh, his brother Bhai Dilbagh Singh, Bhai Gharbara Singh and Bhai Jhanda Singh signed the letter of Bedava (disclaimer). The rest of the Sikhs did not sign it. After the incident, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib left the place. When Guru Sahib had left, Mai Bhago (elder sister of Bhai Bhag Singh and Bhai Dilbagh Singh) reminded them of the cowardice of Duni Chand Masand of Majithia [See: Duni Chand] and persuaded them to apologize. In the meanwhile, the Mogul army reached near that village. The 40 Sikhs and Mai Bhago confronted the Mogul army at Khidrane-Di-Dhab. All the Sikhs fought bravely and killed hundreds of the soldiers of the Mogul. By the evening, most of the 40 Sikhs were dead, only Bhai Rai Singh (son of Bhai Mai Das and brother of Bhai Mani Singh), Bhai Mahan Singh (son of Bhai Rai Singh), Bhai Sunder Singh of Jhallianwala and Mai Bhago were still alive. Guru Gobind Singh Sahib reached the spot and appreciated the bravery of the Sikhs. Guru Sahib gave water to the wounded Sikhs, but all the three were so seriously wounded that their survival was impossible. Bhai Rai Singh and his son Bhai Mahan Singh apologized for their mistake and requested Guru Sahib to tear the Bedava (letter of disclaimer). Guru Sahib tore the letter into pieces. After a few moments Bhai Sunder Singh died. Soon Bhai Mahan Singh and Bhai Rai Singh too died. Guru Sahib cremated them with the help of Bhai Man Singh (brother of Bhai Rai Singh and Bhai Mani Singh).
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)