In the first week of November 1984 a mob attacked the Gurdwara Sahib in Kotha Guru, Himachal Pradesh. Bhai Dalip Singh, the Granthi of the Gurdwara, displayed extraordinary courage in the face of this assault. As the mob approached, he took the Saroop of Guru Granth Sahib, placed it on his head, and ran into the dense forest to protect it from desecration. For several days and nights, Bhai Dalip Singh hid in the forest, ensuring that the sacred Guru Granth Sahib was safe from the attackers. Meanwhile, the mob set fire to the Gurdwara, but thanks to his bravery, the Guru Granth Sahib remained untouched.
This act of selflessness and courage prevented the mob from committing beadbi (sacrilege) of the Guru Granth Sahib, preserving the sanctity of the Guru Granth Sahib. Bhai Dalip Singh’s actions became a testament to the unwavering faith and valor of the Sikh community during those hard days.
On the 40th anniversary of the 1984 Sikh gen-o+cide, the documentary series “1984 Witness” by Sikh Siyasat highlights untold stories from the November 1984, including the events that unfolded in Himachal Pradesh. This documentary serves as a reminder of the resilience and sacrifices made by individuals like Bhai Dalip Singh to protect their faith and uphold the dignity of the Sikh Gurus.