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In the Kharku Movement, the Khalistan Liberation Force achieved remarkable successes, with hundreds of Sikh youngsters attaining martyrdom in their quest for ‘Kaumi Ghar – Khalistan.’ Bhai Jagroop Singh Kalakh was one of those young Sikhs whose name instilled fear in the hearts of Indian forces until his martyrdom.

Kabaddi Player

Bhai Jagroop Singh was a sportsman from an early age, with a passion for games like hockey, kushti, and kabaddi. He was a successful kabaddi player, winning numerous medals and shields from various fairs and tournaments in the local areas. He actively participated in kabaddi tournaments in nearby villages such as Latala, Barundi, Chappar, Butahri, Assi Kalan, and Killa Raipur. Bhai Sahib’s trophies are displayed with great respect at the Gurudwara Sahib in village Kalakh.

Anand Karaj

During his time as an active in Kharku movement, Bhai Jagroop Singh Kalakh married Bibi Harjit Kaur. Guru Sahib blessed the couple with a son and a daughter: Bibi Sahibjot Kaur and Gursahib Singh. Both children are currently settled in Canada.

Dharam Yudh Morcha – 1983

From an early age, Bhai Jagroop Singh Kalakh was deeply fond of Sikh values and heritage. He was a person of secular ideology, dedicated to the Sikh spirit. In his teenage years, he received ‘Amrit Chakk’ from the Gurudwara Sahib in Alamgir.

In 1982, the Akali Dal launched the Dharam Yudh Morcha to address the religious and regional demands of Sikhs. At that time, Bhai Jagroop Singh was only 17 or 18 years old. While working at an electrical shop, he often slipped away to Darbar Sahib in Amritsar without his parents’ knowledge, where he listened to speeches by Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and even had personal meetings with him. He made many friends in Sant Bhindranwale’s jatha. Sant Ji educated Sikh youth about their rights and the atrocities faced by the Sikh minority at the hands of the Indian government.

Before June 1984, Bhai Jagroop Singh experienced the harsh reality of police brutality when he was falsely charged in a minor quarrel in his village. He was arrested at the village bus stand by the Dehlon Police, where he endured significant torture before being sent to jail, from which he later obtained bail.

Joining the Sikh Struggle

In June 1984, the Indian army attacked the Golden Temple and 40 other Sikh shrines, resulting in the martyrdom of hundreds of Sikhs. In response to Sant Bhindranwale’s prior speeches, Sikh youngsters from Punjab began an armed struggle to avenge the attack on the Golden Temple and establish an independent Sikh state—Khalistan. Bhai Jagroop Singh Kalakh became a part of this movement.

Before joining the Kharku Movement, Bhai Jagroop Singh was a socially active young man who was deeply committed to the well-being of his native village, Kalakh. He participated in every cultural and religious event in the village. During this time, he connected with Bhai Baldev Singh Ghudani (from Doraha, Ludhiana), the founder of the ‘Dusht Sodh Commando Force,’ along with Bhai Gurmit Singh. Initially, Bhai Jagroop Singh worked secretly for the movement while staying at home. A man willing to take risks, he relished the opportunity to fulfill any task assigned by his jatha. He found great pleasure in serving the Kharku Movement.

Ludhiana Arrest

In 1987, Bhai Jagroop Singh Kalakh found himself in a harrowing situation when he was arrested by the police alongside his companion, Bhai Satwinder Singh Kitti. The two young men were apprehended during a crackdown on Sikh activists, a time when the police were intensifying their efforts to suppress the Sikh struggle for rights and justice. Both Bhai Jagroop Singh and Bhai Kitti endured severe and inhumane torture during their arrest, a common practice aimed at instilling fear among those involved in the movement.

The police had a history with Bhai Jagroop Singh; they had previously targeted him due to an earlier incident in his teenage years when he had been arrested along with his father. This prior encounter marked him as a known figure in the eyes of law enforcement, making him a prime target.

After their brutal treatment, Bhai Jagroop Singh and Bhai Kitti were transferred to Ludhiana Jail, where conditions were harsh and oppressive. Following a period of confinement, they were moved to the Maximum Security Jail in Nabha, a facility notorious for its stringent security measures and harsh treatment of inmates.

Despite the grim circumstances, Bhai Jagroop Singh remained resilient. His unwavering faith and commitment to his beliefs provided him with the strength to endure the trials he faced. Eventually, through the grace of Guru Sahib and the support of his community, he was able to secure his release on bail, allowing him to return to the struggle for Sikh rights.

Warrior of KLF

Bhai Jagroop Singh Kalakh’s journey as a dedicated warrior took a tragic turn when his closest companion, Bhai Baldev Singh Ghudani, attained martyrdom on August 10, 1989, in what was later revealed to be a staged police encounter. Bhai Jagroop Singh became a wanted man in 1988, prompting him to enter a life of hiding as part of the Kharku movement.

Bhai Jagroop Singh was a true Kharku who held a deep respect for all religions. He consistently advocated for the unity of the Hindu-Sikh brotherhood, which earned him considerable admiration among the people in his community. He stood firmly against extortion and criminal activities, actively opposing thieves and other harmful elements in society. This commitment to justice further solidified his reputation as a protector of the innocent.

As a close associate of Bhai Gurjant Singh Budhsinghwala, the chief of the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), Bhai Jagroop Singh had the opportunity to work alongside notable figures in the movement. He collaborated with esteemed Kharkus such as Bhai Davinderpal Singh Bhullar, Bhai Daya Singh Lahoria, Bhai Harnek Singh Bhapp, Bhai Jangjeet Singh Dhakha, and Bhai Varinder Singh Dakha, among many others. These associations not only strengthened his resolve but also enriched his experience in the struggle for justice and freedom.

Bhai Jagroop Singh’s vision and fearlessness earned him great respect from his fellow Kharkus. His unwavering dedication to the cause persisted until his last breath, as he actively participated in the movement that emerged in the wake of the tragic events of June 1984. In recognition of his leadership and bravery, Bhai Jagroop Singh was honored with the rank of Lieutenant General in the KLF.

The Indian government, perceiving him as a significant threat, placed a reward of 5 lakh on his head. Despite this danger, Bhai Jagroop Singh remained steadfast in his commitment to the cause, embodying the spirit of a true warrior.

Shaheedi – 25 June 1991

On the evening of June 24, 1991, Bhai Jagroop Singh Kalakh and Bhai Jangjeet Singh Dakha, also known as Chotta Toofan, were resting in a house in the village of Bunga (Tehsil Malerkotla, District Sangrur). Unbeknownst to them, the family of the house, possibly driven by police pressure or the lure of the 5 lakh rupee reward, had mixed poison into the tea they served to the two Singhs during the night. Fortunately, Bhai Jangjeet Singh Dakha did not drink the poisoned tea, while Bhai Jagroop Singh consumed it without any suspicion.

As both Singhs fell asleep, the house family alerted the police about their presence.

In the early hours of June 25, 1991, the police and reserve forces, accompanied by their jeeps and bulletproof vehicles, surrounded the Singhs in their hideout. Bhai Jangjeet Singh woke up casually, noticing unusual movements outside. Upon realizing that the police and CRPF had encircled them and that the family had vacated the premises, he quickly roused Bhai Jagroop Singh. “We’ve been backstabbed,” he said urgently, “the police and CRPF are here.”

Bhai Jagroop Singh, still disoriented from the poison, replied, “I can’t see properly; those traitors must have given me something toxic in my meal.” Thankfully, Bhai Jangjeet Singh had escaped the effects of the poison, allowing him to act swiftly.

Both Singhs took their positions and prepared for the encounter that was about to unfold. What followed was a fierce confrontation that lasted for 10 grueling hours. Displaying remarkable bravery and resilience, both Bhai Jagroop Singh and Bhai Jangjeet Singh fought valiantly against overwhelming odds. In this heroic stand, they not only demonstrated their courage but also inflicted significant losses on the Indian forces.

Ultimately, both Singhs attained martyrdom, leaving behind a legacy of valor and sacrifice that continues to inspire future generations in the struggle for justice and freedom.

Aftermath

Following their martyrdom, the police cremated the bodies of both Singhs under heavy surveillance. However, the Sikh Sangat from the local villages collected the ashes of Bhai Jagroop Singh Kalakh and Bhai Jangjeet Singh Dakha. On June 30, 1991, a grand procession began from village Kalakh to Rarra Sahib, traveling via Ahmadgarh to ultimately cremate their ashes at Kiratpur Sahib. This procession was a remarkable display of solidarity, with around 130 trucks and more than ten thousand Sikhs participating, along with numerous cars, jeeps, and tempos.

People from all walks of life joined the procession, including elderly individuals, youth, and a significant number of women, demonstrating the widespread support for the fallen Singhs. One truck, carrying the ashes, was adorned with flowers and vibrant slogans such as “Bhai Jagroop Singh Kalakh — Amar Rahe” (Long live Bhai Jagroop Singh Kalakh) and “Khalistan Zindabad” (Long Live Khalistan).

The police, led by the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Ludhiana, attempted to halt the procession at various points along the route. However, their efforts were in vain, as the two-kilometer-long procession continued undeterred.

Prominent Sikh leaders from various political parties, including the Shiromani Akali Dal (Maan), participated in the procession, showcasing a united front in honoring the martyrs. Notable personalities such as Bhai Kamikar Singh, Bibi Rajinder Kaur Bulara (MP), Bhai Charan Singh Luhara, and Bhai Jagpal Singh Saholi were among those who lent their presence to this significant event.

The procession not only served as a tribute to Bhai Jagroop Singh and Bhai Jangjeet Singh but also highlighted the ongoing struggle for justice and the deep-rooted sentiments of the Sikh community in the wake of their sacrifice.

Written by the Editor and Admin of June84.com

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