Fatehgrah Sahib, Punjab (KP) - Some have called it a conclave of “Sadhs and police cats”, while others have labeled it an orchestration of the Indian intelligence agencies. One fact is clear that controversy of this meet continues to dog the attendees and promoters alike of the much publicized ‘Sambhal Vishav Sikh Samelan.`
Simranjit Singh Mann, president of Shromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) has demanded the resignation of SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar for attending what he charged is an anti-Panthic assembly. In a scathing statement he charged “This ‘Jundli’ (Sant-Samaj-Dhumma alliance) has exposed their real character to the world when they passed those anti-Panthic resolutions.”
One of the resolutions passed was in fact a rebuff of the current Nanakshahi Calendar and the implementation of a new “Sikh Calendar.” The Nanakshahi Calendar which was fully implemented in 2000, was overwhelmingly rejected by the Sant Samaj, and the self-appointed Jathedars of Patna Sahib and Hazoor Sahib. Ironically, these were the very people who organized the samelan. Many are wondering, “If these sadhs are not willing to accept the already implemented Nanakshahi calendar, what right do they have for asking for another one?” Mann also chastised Jathedar Vendanti for staying silent on this issue.
Samelan participant Daljit Singh ‘Bittu’, who at one time demanded a separate Sikh State called ‘Khalistan’, was severely criticized for lowering himself to the trivial level of these deradars who have become silent on the issue of Sikh Sovereignty and self rule.
Free Press Promotion
In a recently disseminated article by Hardeep Singh LohKherra, Bittu’s chief protagonist turned journalist, Karamjit Singh, was heavily criticized for his unneeded promotion of Bittu and the Samelan, and for his criticism of Sardar Simranjit Singh Mann. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Karamjit Singh is reported to have worked with Bittu and various “Kharkoo committees” under a false name. Having left the movement, he is now closely involved in promoting Bittu and his Shiromani Khalsa Dal and also writes articles for a local weekly in California. One commentator hinted that “…rather than promoting empty leaders, Karamjit Singh should apply his skills to shed daylight on the infestation of police cats, such as Sukhi, inside the Panth.”
Police Cats
Sukhi, the ‘dead’ militant-turned-police-informant, in one of his previous news conferences, stated that he has convinced many top ‘militants’ to join his ranks. Who and how many of are there is still the million dollar question.
A reporter from Outlook Magazine details such a “police cat.” His name is Kewal Singh. An ex-member of the Khalistan Commando Force (KCF), he now goes by the name of Constable Satnam Singh. According to Outlook, Satnam’s neighbors have acknowledged that Satnam and Sukhi were constantly in touch with each other, and “…Sukhi, in fact, was staying in the same colony until a couple of years ago. He has now shifted to a bigger house in a civilian locality.”
Sukhi is being closely guarded by heavily armed police escorts. When the magazine asked Sukhi about his armed escort, he replied that he and his associates needed protection from “Khalistanis who may still be active.”
However, Narain Singh Chaura, a Khalistani protagonist, who has released details on many government informants to the press, argued “Daljit Bittu is the most dreaded of the former terrorists and Sukhi attended his wedding last year. So, what does he have to fear?"
Bittu has yet to clarify his relationship with Sukhi. Like a true politician, his explanations so far have been vague, mirroring the deflection of questions posed to the other attendee of the samelan : SGPC Chief Makkar.
