On May 12, Khalistani activists converged at Fatehgarh Sahib to unfurl Sikh Flag symbolizing the Sikh sovereignty to mark the tercentenary of Sikh rule established by Baba Banda Singh Bahadur in 1710.

After saluting and paying respect to the flag at a simple but impressive ceremony at a ground adjacent to the historic gurdwara, the activists of Dal Khalsa and other Sikh groups raised 'Khalistan Zindabad' slogans.

Earlier during the Khalsa Raj Parade, which started from Chappar Chirri and concluded at Fatehgarh Sahib, pro-Khalistani flags, posters, banners and photos of Sikh martyrs were in full display.

A float carrying banners and photos of 'martyrs’ including Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale, Bhai Sukhdev Singh Babbar, Bhai Talwinder Singh Parmar, Bhai Gurjant Singh Budhsinghwala, Jathedar Gurbachan Singh Manochal (all heads of Sikh militant groups), Bhai Dilawar Singh, Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara, Bhai Balwant Singh besides Bhai Jinda-Bhai Sukha evoked curiosity among onlookers.

A large size poster of Dal Khalsa’s mentor Gajinder Singh, whose names figures in 20 most wanted persons, was distributed amongst masses all the way. The message on the float was loud and clear- ‘Sikh Martyrs last will: Khalistan’.

The Parade organized by Dal Khalsa had a support of SAD (Panch Pardani), Khalsa Action Committee, Sikh students Federation and UK based Council of Khalistan.

Recognizing the role and contribution of Shaheed Bhai Dilawar Singh, who like Baba Banda Singh ended the tyrannical rule of present times, the organizers honoured him with ‘Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Bravery Award.

In his address, S Harcharnjit Singh Dhami, the president of the Dal Khalsa said Baba Banda Singh Bahadur was a true Sikh warrior who fought against injustice and slavery.

“This is a historic moment. We have gathered here today to reaffirm that Sikhs as a Nation has been struggling for its freedom against all odds, refusing to submit to those who aim to eliminate their identity and crush their rightful aspirations”.

By unfurling and saluting Sikh Flag, we are keeping alive the memory and dedication of all those martyrs who laid down their lives to establish the sovereign self rule for Sikhs in the recent times”, he pointed out in an emotional tone and tenor.

Spelling out his party’s agenda, he said we were fully convinced that the future of our people lies in seeking and obtaining the right to self-determination.

Bhai Mohkam Singh while addressing the spirited gathering of Dal Khalsa activists lambasted the present leadership for not adhering to Sikh principles and traditions.

Harpal Singh Cheema, leader of SAD (Panch Pardani) took Akalis to task for creating hurdles in establishing the Khalsa rule. He said the personal weaknesses and thrust for pelf and power crept in Akali leadership has marred the way to establish self-rule for Sikhs.

The gathering called upon the Sikh masses to recognize and reject that leadership who for their personal benefits are damaging the collective cause of the Sikh nation.

Kanwar Pal Singh while addressing the gathering expressed concern and displeasure on the unsavory situation arisen after Prime Minister raised the issue of rising activities of Sikhs in Canada with his counterpart Stephen Harper in Washington in April. Since then the Canadian Sikhs are passing through a phase of turmoil, uncertainty and suspicion, he said.

He said that Dr Manmohan Singh’s unnecessary intervention in the internal affairs of Canada and his portraying the Sikhs over there in poor light was condemnable.

The organizers called upon the energetic Sikh individuals and groups especially Council of Khalistan (UK), Khalistan Affairs Centre (USA), World Sikh Organization (Canada) and other world bodies to lobby for the associate membership for Sikh Nation in the UNO.

Others who took part in the parade include Bibi Kulbir Kaur, Dr Manjinder Singh, Sarbjit Singh Ghuman, Gurpreet Singh Mann, Baba Manmohan Singh Patiala, Baba Ajit Singh Kartarpur, Baba Nachattar Singh Patiala.

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