Today in Sikh History : 17th June

17th June

Bhai Sahib Singh Ji, one of the first five to be initiated into the Khalsa order, was born at Bidar (Karnatak Sate) to father Chaman and Mata Sonna Bhai. He was baptised by Guru Gobind Singh on the day of Khalsa’s creation. After five years in 1704, he was killed in the battle of Chamkaur. He had participated in several battles prior to his baptism. Particularly, his active role in the battle of Bhangani in 1689 is described by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in the eighth Adhiayae of Bachiter Natak.

The Kar-Sewa of the scared tank at Amritsar was performed for the second time. The Panj payaras removed the first Kar with golden spades and silver buckets. Subsequently, the saewadars (including rich, poor, Hindu, Muslim, and Sikhs) carried out the kar sewa with humilty and devotion.

==> KAR SEWA: "Kar" refers to the debris found at the bottom of water tanks, pools, and wells. The Kar from Amritsar Sarowar is regularly removed every 50 years. Please note that an irregular "Kar Sewa" was conducted in 1984, by the government of India, as part of their mop-up operations to cover the brutalities of Operation Bluestar.

Sikhs observed "Ardas Diwas (prayer day)" to protest against the Indian Army’s attack on Sri darbar Sahib. On this day congregations were held in Gurudwaras, Shaheeds were uligized, Sikhs men wore black turbans while Sikh women used black dupatas. All Sikh houses went without lighting any cooking.

Baba Harbans Singh Ji from Delhi given the responsibilities for reconstruction of Sri Akal Takhat. However, he request Singh Sahiban to bestow this responsibility upon Baba khadak Singh.

These are the 14 conditions placed before the Government of India in June 1984 by the Singh Sahibans. Those who signed the document were the head priest of Sri Darbar Sahib; the head priest of Akal Takhat, Giani Kirpal Singh; the head priest of Damdama Sahib, Giani Lakkha Singh; the head priest of Anantpur Sahib, Giani Harcharan SIngh Mahalon; and the head granthi of Akal Takhat, Pritam Singh. The then Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, agreed to all conditions except to the withdrawal of the CRPF (No. 11) and the immediate condoning of the army deserters (No. 9) These are the 14 conditions placed before the Government of India in June 1984 by the Singh Sahibans. Those who signed the document were the head priest of Sri Darbar Sahib; the head priest of Akal Takhat, Giani Kirpal Singh; the head priest of Damdama Sahib, Giani Lakkha Singh; the head priest of Anantpur Sahib, Giani Harcharan SIngh Mahalon; and the head granthi of Akal Takhat, Pritam Singh. The then Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, agreed to all conditions except to the withdrawal of the CRPF (No. 11) and the immediate condoning of the army deserters (No. 9)

1. Army be pulled out forthwith from the Golden Temple and the Akal Takhat.
2. All further operations be handed over to the Sikh Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC).
3. Public be allowed to enter the Golden Temple precincts.
4. The SGPC staff and the gurdwaras be ‘released’ immediately as this will expedite administration and help restore the confidence of the Sikhs.
5. Immediate release of Sant Longowal and others.
6. Put an end to terrorism in the village of Punjab.
7. The head priests of the Golden Temple be allowed to screen the filming of the Operation Bluestar before it is broadcast over television.
8. Open all gurdwaras in Punjab and release their staff.
9. Sikh solidiers be condoned for ‘desertion’ after Operation Bluestar.
10. Steps be taken to stop the harassment of Sikhs inside buses and trains.
11. Withdraw the Central Reserve Police Force from Punjab immediately.
12. Proper arragements be made to house huge quantities of wheat stacked inside the Golden Temple langar (kitchen).
13. Sikhs living in Rajasthan, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and other states be protected and steps taken to bring to and their killings immediately.
14. Name of all Sikhs killed and arrested by the Government be published without delay.

-Ref. "Indian Express," June 8, 1995