JARNAIL SINGH BHINDRANWALA

Giani Jarnail Singh Bhindranwala (10.2.1947 – 5.6.1984), son of Joginder Singh Brar, was born at village Rode (district Faridkot). He spent the first 18 years of his life in his own village. From his early childhood, he had a religious bent of mind. He studied Sikh scriptures and history thoroughly.

In 1965, he joined Bhinderan Jatha and moved to Bhinder Kalan. For the next four years, he remained in the company of Giani Gurbachan Singh Bhindranwale and learnt a lot from him. During this period he got married to Bibi Pritam Kaur (daughter of Bhai Suchcha Singh of Bilaspur), in 1966. She bore him two sons.

On August 25, 1977, he was chosen the chief of Bhindran-Mehta Jatha. In 1978, he spearheaded movement against Nirankari-called Mafia cult. With this began an armed struggle in the Punjab. The first goal of the militants was to punish Nirankaris.

During this movement Lala Jagat Narain was killed on September 9, 1981. Warrants were issued for his arrest. At this he announced that he will offer himself for arrest on September 20, 1981. That day, a mammoth gathering was held at Chowk Mehta. Almost all the leaders were present there. He was formally arrested. He was released on October 15, 1981.

On July 19, 1982, Bhai Amrik Singh, president of the Sikh Students’ Federation and Baba Tthara Singh were arrested on frivolous charges. At this he started an agitation. On the very first day 51 Sikhs courted arrest. Later, the Akali Dal adopted the agitation. It continued till June 2, 1984.

On June 3, 1984, the Indian army attacked Darbar Sahib, Amritsar and several other Gurdwaras. He led the Sikh militants to defend the shrine. The Sikhs gave a hard time to the Indian army. More than a thousand soldiers were killed and several thousand Sikhs laid down their lives. He himself was killed on June 6, 1984. When he died, his body had dozens of bullet-marks. Jarnail Singh Bhindranwala was leader of the masses. Since Master Tara Singh, he was the most popular leader of the Sikhs.