Giani Raam Singh Declares 1984 Sikh Genocide Memorial Incomplete

AMRITSAR SAHIB—In an important Panthik gathering, Giani Raam Singh (Damdami Taksal) alleged that the newly constructed memorial at Sri Darbar Sahib complex was incomplete.  While favoring the plaque in memory of Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindralwale, Giani Raam Singh alleged that the memorial would not be complete until it included names of other Shaheeds starting with the Nirankari Incident of 1978.  The Sikh Nation had led a campaign against Government injustices starting in 1978 when 13 innocent Sikhs were shot dead by the Nirankaris.

Along with Giani Raam Singh’s faction of Damdami Taksal, various other Sikh organisations supported this view.  Other Sikh personalities present at the meeting included Giani Kewal Singh, former Jathedar Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Raghubir Singh Raja Sansi of Akali Dal 1925, Karnail Singh Peer Mohammed, AISSF, and Baldev Singh, president of All India Dharmi Faujis 1984 Federation.

Giani Raam Singh stated that the memorial was the need at the time, however it failed to convey full story of Sikh struggles in Punjab during the late 20th century.  Giani Raam Singh specifically asked that references be made to names of other Shaheeds along with the name of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale.  He mentioned that the 1978 Nirankari incident, assassination of Indira Gandhi, Sikh pogroms in New Delhi and Kanpur must be included in the memorial if it was to be considered complete.

Although Giani Raam Singh has distanced himself from the Chowk Mehta, he stated that Baba Harnaam Singh Dhumma took the right step in installing the plaque in memory of Sant Bhindrawale.  Giani Raam Singh alleged he would meet with Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar to discuss the matter and bring it to closure.

Giani Raam Singh is the Jathedar of a faction of Damdami Taksal and holds differences with Baba Harnaam Singh Dhumma.  Both were nominated as Damdami Taksal jathedars by different Sikh organisations.