Name of Bhindrawale team’s key strategist not mentioned in prayer for Operation Bluestar martyrs, younger brother refuses robe of honour

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The ardas read by Takht Keshgarh Sahib chief Giani Mal Singh while condemning the “attack” on Golden Temple eulogized Sikh militant leaders Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale and Amrik Singh, but did not mention the name of Gen Shabeg Singh, who was also killed in the army operation.

An irked Beant Singh, the younger brother of Gen Shabeg Singh claimed he refused to accept the robe of honour when he was called during the function to receive the same.

Ishar Singh, son of Bhindrawale were among those honoured during the 31st anniversary of Bluestar commemorated at Akal Takht to honour the “martyrs”.

“I was not even allowed to sit at a proper place in the Akal Takht during the function. I do not need a piece of cloth (saafa) around my neck but to get respect,” said Beant Singh.

He added that had Gen Shabeg Singh not there the situation would have resulted in some compromise and there would not have been any fight. “Like agitation had been there in past, it (the standoff leading to Operation Bluestar) would also have been resulted in a compromise. It was General Sahib who fought it all with the army. Santaan ne thori lar leni (Bhindrawale alone would not have been able to fight it out alone),” said Beant Singh.

“General Sahib’s name is there throughout world. They cannot change history,” Beant said.

“I would not have objected if only Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale’s name was taken in ardas, but name of Bhai Amrik Singh was also taken, but General Sahib’s name was not taken. I have due regard for Bhai Amrik Singh and the sacrifice made by him. But, while Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale was a general of Sikh community, General Sahib (Shabeg Singh) was general of army,” said Beant Singh, maintaining that role of Gen Shabeg should have been acknowledged.

Beant said the same had been happening for the last three years. “I fail to understand why they are doing this,” he questioned.

Notably, last year when the name of Gen Shabeg was not mentioned in the prayer, exception was taken to that and the role of Gen Shabeg was then acknowledged by the reciter of the prayer.

Akal Takht chief Giani Gurbachan Singh, when asked about this, said that it would be ensured that the name of Gen Shabeg Singh was included in the prayer next time.

SGPC spokesperson Diljit Singh Bedi said that no one was specifically called to receive the robes of honour. “The family members of martyrs were there on their own to receive the robes of honour,” he said. “Gen Shabeg is among the martyrs, but we cannot include names of all as there are thousands of martyrs,” Bedi added.