Singhs! Without Khalsa Raj, We Cannot Survive…

What happened at the Tower Morcha in Samana with Bhai Iman Singh Mann, the acting president of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) and son of Simranjit Singh Mann, was extremely unfortunate. We should respect everyone’s emotions and sentiments. He neither spoke about harming anyone nor about weapons; he only spoke about Khalsa Raj and Khalistan. He spoke about Guru Granth Sahib and the Panth. Then why was he opposed? However, Bhai Iman Singh responded in a very humble and dignified manner.
For the struggle for Khalistan, many sacrifices were made. Blood was shed, youth spent years in prisons, and many fake encounters took place. Homes were destroyed. Those who fought this struggle sacrificed their lives and everything they had. If today we say that Khalistan should not even be discussed at such places, then only God can protect us.
What was the need for those sacrifices if we remain silent now? Our homes were destroyed and yet we keep quiet. Are we worthy of calling ourselves the heirs of those martyrs? Are we accountable to them? These sacrifices were made for Guru Granth Sahib and the Guru Panth. Even today, no law has been made in India to stop the desecration of Guru Granth Sahib. Therefore, we must struggle for it ourselves.
Why do we have fear in our hearts? If we cannot speak about Khalsa Raj or Khalistan at morchas or among the sangat, then where should we speak about it? Many Sikh prisoners (Bandi Singhs) have been in jails for long periods because of this struggle. When we look at them, we see they have never accepted the authority of the Indian government and remain steadfast in their mission with high spirits.
This has not happened only with Bhai Iman Singh; it also happened to me. I will not name those people because they belong to well-known families. During the 2024 elections, when I raised the slogan of Khalistan, I was stopped and told that this should not be done there.
At another event, some prominent personalities were present. One of them asked me why I was following this path and what the need for Khalistan was. Ironically, he himself belonged to a well-known martyr’s family. When I heard these words from him, I felt deeply hurt and broken.
I shared this with my elder brother Bhai Ranjit Singh of Damdami Taksal, who is president of Sikh Youth Federation Bhindranwala. He told me that the same thing had happened to him many times as well. Even today, many people tell me to leave this path and focus on my family. But those who sacrificed in the struggle also had families. Their families were destroyed, yet they remained strong and continue to inspire us.
If we continue opposing each other at these morchas, we will never achieve success. Many spiritually devoted souls were martyred in this struggle and dedicated their lives to it. Today we have forgotten them. It is because of their sacrifices that we have the courage to challenge governments and organize protests.
When we see such divisions, it deeply hurts us. If our own leaders begin to distance themselves from the struggle, what guidance will we give to the youth?
Hindus never oppose the idea of a Hindu Rashtra, and their leaders openly support it. But unfortunately many Sikh faces oppose the idea of Khalistan. Those who serve the government remain satisfied living a life of obedience, believing that wealth and fame are everything. Perhaps they will understand only when they themselves face oppression.
There is still time—wake up and be aware.
 

Gagandeep Singh Sultanwind
(Sikh Youth Federation Bhindranwala)