Between April 13, 1978, and Operation Blue Star in 1984, the Sikh community faced severe repression as they sought to assert their rights and address grievances with the Indian government. Despite nearly seven years of peaceful efforts, the government persistently ignored Sikh demands and attempted to silence their voices through harsh measures. The Punjab Police and central forces engaged in widespread human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings of innocent Sikhs. In response to this state-sanctioned brutality, many young Sikhs, disillusioned by the lack of peaceful resolutions, took up arms to defend their community and seek justice.
Bhai Hardev Singh Rode was one such brave Singh, a member of the Bhindranwala Jatha led by Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale. Along with other dedicated Singhs, Hardev Singh took on the responsibility of punishing those responsible for these human rights violations, standing as a defender of Sikh rights and dignity during this turbulent period.
Early Life and Education
Hardev Singh Rode was a courageous Sikh freedom fighter who attained martyrdom on March 16, 1983, at the age of 21. He was born on July 15, 1962, into a devout Sikh family in the village of Rode, located in Bhagha Purana, Moga, Punjab. His father, Harnek Singh, and mother, Duleep Kaur, raised him alongside his two brothers, Charanjit Singh and Shamsher Singh, and his sister, Paramjit Kaur.
Hardev Singh Rode spent his early years in Rode, where he received his education up to middle school. He completed the rest of his education up to matriculation in Ghal Kalan, the village of his aunt (his father’s sister). Bhai Hardev Singh loved playing hockey as a sport. Despite the challenges faced by his community, he was determined to make a difference. After completing his education, he took up farming, a common occupation in his village, and worked hard to support his family.
Involvement in the Sikh Struggle
Hardev Singh was deeply inspired by the teachings of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and became an active member of the Sant Bhindranwale Jatha. Alongside other prominent Singhs such as Bhai Anokh Singh Ubhoke, Bhai Jasveer Singh Kukku Rode, Bhai Gurumukh Singh Bhure, Bhai Nashatar Singh Rode, and Bhai Joginder Singh Rode, Hardev Singh fought valiantly for the rights and freedoms of the Sikh community. His involvement was driven by a deep sense of duty to protect the Sikh faith and uphold justice, even at the cost of his own life.
The Manawala Encounter (Manawala Kand)
The Manawala Kand marked a pivotal moment in the Sikh struggle, highlighting the ultimate sacrifice of Shaheed Bhai Hardev Singh Rode. On 16 March 1983, Hardev Singh, along with four other Singhs—Bhai Anokh Singh Ubhoke, Bhai Kukku Singh Rode, Bhai Gurumukh Singh Bhure, and Bhai Joginder Singh Rode—embarked on a mission from Sri Darbar Sahib. Their objective was to take action against SSP D.R. Bhatti, known for his oppressive actions against the Sikh community in Ludhiana. However, their mission was thwarted when they were ambushed by the police near Manawala, a village in the Amritsar district.
The Ambush
The police had meticulously planned the ambush by using two trucks to create a blockade on a bridge over GT Road near Manawala. One truck was parked straight, while the other was deliberately positioned crookedly to force approaching vehicles to slow down. The Singhs, traveling in a jeep, encountered this blockade in the early hours of the morning, around 4 a.m.
As the jeep, driven by Bhai Gurumukh Singh Bhure, slowed down to navigate the blockade, the police opened fire without warning. The primary target was the driver, but due to the jeep’s left-hand drive (a foreign make), the bullets struck Bhai Hardev Singh Rode, who was seated in the front passenger seat. Hardev Singh was hit directly and succumbed to his injuries on the spot, attaining Shaheedi at the age of 22.
The sudden attack left the Singhs in a dire situation. Bhai Anokh Singh Ubhoke and Bhai Jasveer Singh Kukku was seriously injured, while the remaining Singhs returned fire, injuring SSP Pandey, one of the officers leading the ambush. Despite the heavy police firing, Bhai Gurumukh Singh Bhure managed to maneuver the damaged jeep and escape the blockade, demonstrating remarkable courage. The left tires of the jeep were blown out due to the intense firing, yet Bhure’s skillful driving ensured their escape.
Escape and Return to Sri Harmandir Sahib
After fleeing the scene, the Singhs drove the damaged jeep to the house of Bhai Jarnail Singh Dodhi, a trusted ally located on a route connecting Tarn Taran and Jandiala Guru. There, they burned the jeep involved in the encounter. From Dodhi’s home, they continued their journey back to Sri Harmandir Sahib in the car of the Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib. To prevent detection and avoid any evidence falling into the hands of the police, Baba Gurbachan Singh Manochahal and Bhai Major Singh later destroyed the jeep.
The body of Shaheed Bhai Hardev Singh Rode was respectfully returned to his native village, Rode, where he was laid to rest with full honors. Meanwhile, Bhai Anokh Singh Ubhoke received treatment for his injuries at Guru Nanak Nivas in Darbar Sahib Amritsar.
The Leak of Information: Uncovering the Truth Behind Manawala Kand
There were allegations that Shaheed Bhai Harminder Singh Sandhu, the General Secretary of the AISSF, had informed the police about the planned action leading to the Manawala Kand. However, these accusations were completely false and baseless, created by government agencies to sow mistrust within the Sikh movement. In reality, only Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale and Bhai Amrik Singh knew the details of the mission. Additionally, the operation was delayed by a day, further debunking claims against Bhai Harminder Singh Sandhu.
The true source of the leak was identified when it was revealed that the Singhs had obtained a Sten gun and 20 bullets from a sevadar of the Nihang Chief of Harianwelan before their mission. This sevadar, the only person outside the inner circle who knew about their departure, betrayed them by informing the police. He was later punished for his act of spying, which led to the police ambush at Manawala.
Legacy of the Manawala Kand
The Manawala Kand is remembered not only for the tragic loss of Bhai Hardev Singh Rode but also for the resilience and bravery of the Singhs involved. Despite the ambush, their actions struck a blow against oppressive forces and inspired others in the ongoing Sikh struggle. Bhai Hardev Singh Rode’s Shaheedi stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of those who fought for their faith and community, ensuring their legacy continues to inspire future generations.
written by the Editor of June84.com
