Tarn Taran: Activists and leaders of various religious and political organizations today observed the 24th martyrdom day of Babbar Khalsa chief commander Sukhdev Singh Babbar at his native village Dasuwal, 45 kms near Tarn Taran. The function was organized by Akhand Kirtani Jatha.
Urging the Sikh people to observe 15th August as Black day. Dal Khalsa ex-president Satnam Singh Paonta Sahib while speaking at a function said 70 years ago on this day Muslims got Pakistan while Hindus got their independence on 15 August. He said that the Sikh community missed the bus as it was not lucky enough to get its own homeland. He said that since then Sikhs had been aspiring for their sovereign self-rule.
Notably, Babbar chief was martyred in a fake encounter near Ludhiana on Aug 9, 1992 after being arrested from his residence at Patiala the previous night. Representatives of various political as well as religious bodies today eulogized his contribution towards Sikh cause for independence.
The Panj Piyare’s, who were removed from the services by the SGPC also participated in the function and paid glowing tributes to the martyr.
Interestingly, ruling party Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) MLA Virsa Singh Valtoha also attended the samagam. He paid homage to the Babbar Khalsa commander claiming that he worked under him during militant struggle in 90’s.
The organizers along with representatives of the hardliner groups honoured kin of Sukhdev Singh Babbar, Anokh Singh Babbar and Dilawar Singh. Advocate Amar Singh Chahal read out the message of Babbar Khalsa leader Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara, who is serving life sentence in Tihar prison.
Another Dal Khalsa leader Kanwar Pal Singh also attended the function. He told gathering that theirs group supported by four Sikh groups would organize a protest rally at Ludhiana on 15th. Among those who were present includes Bhupinder Singh Phelwan (Germany), Sarbjit Singh Ghuman, Gaini Baldev Singh of AKJ, Sukhjit Singh Khosa.