Gurbachan Singh Manochahal

Gurbachan Singh Manochahal (Punjabi: ਬਾਬਾ ਗੁਰਬਚਨ ਸਿੰਘ ਮਾਨੋਚਾਹਲ , Shahmukhī: بابا گربچن سنگھ مانوچہل ), was a Khalistani leader ^[1] who founded the Bhindranwala Tigers Force of Khalistan in 1984.^[2]

Early life

Baba Gurbachan Singh Manochahal was born on June 6, 1954 at village Manochahal in the Tarn Taran district of Punjab to Bapoo Atma Singh and Mata Gurmej Kaur. His uncle had become died participating in the agitational Jaito Morcha against the British Raj. From childhood, Manochahal enjoyed wrestling and as a result of his large frame, was enlisted by the Indian Army as an “A level” recruit but was later dishonorably discharged as a result of attacking an officer. In 1978, Manochahal was injured and shot in his arm in the clash between orthodox Sikhs and the Nirankari sect of which also led to the death of 13 Sikhs. Baba Manochahal maintained a relationship with the Damdami Taksal and became acquainted with other members of the organization such as Amrik Singh and Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.

Leadership

Shortly after Operation Blue Star, Manochahal conpired with other individuals linked to Bhindranwale to form armed groups which resulted in the formation of the BTFK headed by Manochahal himself and the Khalistan Commando Force headed by Manbir Singh Chaheru. In 1986, Manochahal led the resolution at the 1986 Sarbat Khalsa to declare the resolve of a separate Sikh homeland called Khalistan and also formed a committee which would lead the direction of this resolution.

In 1992, a separate committee headed by Dr. Sohan Singh was formed which had the support of other outfits such as Babbar Khalsa which called for the boycott of the 1992 Punjab elections which led to the election of Beant Singh of the Congress Party. The formation of this committee undermined the influence of Manochahal who was criticized for his support for political participation and led to a divide between the armed groups within Punjab.

Death

On February 27, 1993, Manochahal was killed after being poisoned by some associates who soon handed him over to the police. He was shot at after which the police reported his death in an encounter.^[3]

References

1. ↑ Terrorism in Punjab. Gyan Books. 1 Jan 2000. p. 412 pages.  |first1= missing |last1= in Authors list (help)
2. ↑ Mahmood, Cynthia Keppley (1996). Fighting for Faith and Nation. Series in Contemporary Ethnography. University of Pennsylvania Press. p. 159ff. ISBN 9780812215922. 
3. ↑ "Indian police kill top Sikh guerilla". The Daily Gazette. 1 March 1993.