Shaheed Bhai Amolak Singh Babbar

Babbar Khalsa

 

Bhai Amolak Singh was born on 26th December 1972 at the blessed hour of Amritvela (4 am) to the revered parents Mata Harjinder Kaur and Jathedar Baba Gurdip Singh, in the village of Talwandi Budh Singh, Patti, District Amritsar. His grandfather, Baba Dharam Singh, was a highly respected figure. Within two hours of his birth, Baba Dharam Singh expressed the wish that the newborn be taken to the Gurdwara Sahib to receive blessings. Bhai Amolak Singh was bathed in warm water, dressed in fresh clothes, and Degh was prepared at home to accompany them. The family then proceeded to the Gurdwara Sahib, where blessings were sought from Guru Sahib, an Ardas was performed, and a Hukamnama taken. From this, the first letter of his name was obtained, and Baba Dharam Singh named the child Amolak Singh—a soul destined for greatness. In his childhood, whenever Bhai Amolak Singh saw photographs of great Shaheed Singhs and Singhnia on the walls of the Gurdwara or at home, his face would light up with joy. He was a cheerful child who played often and seldom cried. Unlike many children his age, he was not interested in mischief; instead, he was studious and spent his time contemplating the Almighty and chanting Satnam Waheguru. He studied up to the 8th or 9th grade, reaching the age of twelve or thirteen years.

 

Baba Dharam Singh, the grandfather

Bhai Amolak Singh’s grandfather, Baba Dharam Singh, born in 1903, had witnessed the British Raj and was an active participant in the Babbar Akali Lehar movement. He often narrated stories of those times to Bhai Amolak Singh, who would smile brightly and say, “Dada Ji, I too will become a Babbar Akali when I grow up.” From early on, Baba Dharam Singh maintained close ties with Damdami Taksal and shared a deep bond with Sant Gurbachan Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale. Together with the Jatha, they travelled from village to village, spreading the message of Sikhi and inspiring the congregation to take Amrit. Baba Dharam Singh’s duty was to serve Langar in Sarbloh (iron) utensils. Being from the same village, Sant Gurbachan Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale held immense love for Baba Dharam Singh, and they were very close. Baba Dharam Singh was present at the Dastarbandi ceremony of Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale and often accompanied the Jatha on their travels across India, reaching as far as Mumbai and Calcutta.

 

Week-long Smagams and Parchar were frequently held by Sant Ji in Talwandi Budh Singh. Baba Dharam Singh and his family served tirelessly during these events, passionately spreading the message of Sikhi and nourishing the congregation spiritually. Baba Dharam Singh oversaw the Langar arrangements, assisted by another devoted Gursikh, Giani Tara Singh. Their families ensured that the Langar was of the highest quality, prepared by blessed hands using pure ingredients—a tradition known as Pakka Pakwan. This included Punjabi sweets like Jalebis and Mithai, made with 100% natural ghee and sugar by Gursikh souls. Two households—the families of Baba Dharam Singh and Giani Tara Singh—took responsibility for Langar during these Smagams. While the village congregation prepared Langar at the Gurdwara Sahib, these families catered for the Jatha. By this time, Bhai Amolak Singh had become a trained Granthi Sahib and studied as much as he desired.

 

Approaching Battle of Amritsar

In April 1984, during Vaisakhi, Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale foresaw the impending battle and instructed that all elderly Gursikhs and married men with families to return to their villages, along with women and children. Remaining would mean only two outcomes—Shaheedi or imprisonment. Sant Ji explained that the elderly could not endure the torture that awaited, and family men risked being incapacitated, leaving their families vulnerable. Both Baba Dharam Singh and Baba Gurdip Singh fell under these categories. They were deeply disheartened, feeling that after years of service to the Panth, they were being denied the opportunity for Shaheedi. Sant Ji reassured them that lifelong selfless service was itself a form of martyrdom. Yet, this did not satisfy their yearning. Determined, Baba Gurdip Singh presented Bhai Amolak Singh before Sant Ji, saying, “Here we offer you our son—please take him. He has served before, whether with Dal Baba Bidhi Chand, at Khadur Sahib Kar Sewa, or at Mehta Chownk, helping with horses, labour, and learning Gurbani.”

 

 Initially, Sant Ji hesitated, saying Amolak Singh was too young. Even Bhai Amrik Singh tried to console them, affirming that their selflessness was honoured and that the time for their son would surely come. Then General Subeg Singh intervened, saying, “Do not worry. If this is your heartfelt wish, we will take him. He can assist on the sidelines by refilling magazines with bullets.” Hearing this, both grandfather and father were content. Baba Gurdip Singh returned home, and Baba Dharam Singh followed after about twenty days. Two months later came the day the Singhs and Jathas had anticipated—the Battle of Amritsar, June 1984.

 

Bhai Amolak Singh was then sent home as agreed. Upon leaving, he was questioned by the army that had surrounded the Sri Darbar Sahib Complex. Bhai Amolak conveyed exactly what Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale had instructed him. He stated that he was at the Sri Darbar Sahib Complex solely to perform duties of reciting Rauls for Akhand Paath Sahibs (continuous recitation of Gurbani from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji without breaks). He explained that his family was very poor and this was his only means of earning a livelihood. Hearing this, and considering his young age, the army believed him and let him go. Many others were not questioned as thoroughly as Bhai Sahib was.

 

Preparations to be a Jhujaru Singh

As soon as he returned home, Bhai Amolak Singh embarked on his next mission: training to become a Jhujaru Singh. Inspired by the stories he had heard, he began what he believed was preparation and disciplined training—something not meant for the faint-hearted. And he wasn’t far from the truth. He insisted that his brothers support him in this preparation. He would ask them to hang him upside down and beat him with wooden batons. He even asked local students who came to learn Santhiya from him to do the same—hang him upside down and strike him with sticks. His family and students were shocked and could hardly believe what he was doing. They would hang him but strike lightly, fearing they might injure him.

 

Operation Black Thunder, Torture & Jail

Bhai Amolak Singh spent much of his time with Jhujaru Singhs and at Sri Darbar Sahib. Then, in 1988, the Indian government struck Sri Harmandir Sahib again under the guise of Operation Black Thunder—an attempt to pinpoint and capture prominent Jhujaru Singhs residing in the Darbar Sahib Complex. Prominent Jhujaru Singhs such as Baba Gurbachan Singh Manochahal managed to escape. Bhai Karaj Singh Thande led the defence and attained Shaheedi during the retaliation. Bhai Surjit Singh Painta advised Bhai Amolak Singh to use the same excuse as before—that he was a Granthi—when leaving the complex.

 

Bhai Amolak Singh, along with the rest of the congregation, was made to stand in a line along one end of the Sarovar. As he turned his head towards the Clock Tower, he noticed a black jeep with tinted windows parked near the entrance. A police informant was seen briefing someone inside the jeep about which Jhujaru Singhs were present in the complex. Based on these indications, the police began arresting many Singhs. When they approached Bhai Surjit Singh Painta, he immediately consumed his cyanide capsule and breathed his last at the top of the staircase, attaining Shaheedi. Many Jhujaru Singhs did this to avoid being taken to torture chambers and to protect the sanctity of the struggle, ensuring they would not be forced to reveal information that could harm the movement.

 

When Bhai Amolak Singh was questioned, he told the army personnel that he served as a Granthi Singh for Sri Akhand Paath Sahib Rauls, but only temporarily and would not appear as a permanent worker. The army grew suspicious and examined his hands and fingers, exclaiming that they showed signs of handling firearms. Before Bhai Amolak Singh could respond, he was thrown into a police vehicle and taken to Mal Mandi police quarters. There, he endured the most brutal tortures and was later transferred to several jails outside Punjab. A fellow villager, Bhai Lakha Singh, who had become the village Sarpanch, worked tirelessly—spending money and making countless trips—to secure Bhai Amolak Singh’s release. It took a year to achieve this.

 

Before his release, Bhai Amolak Singh’s handprints, footprints, and body prints were taken. The SSP of Tarn Taran Sahib remarked to Bhai Lakha Singh, “This young man will not sit at home, mark my words. I’ve seen Jhujaru Singhs like him before.” He implied that despite the torture and interrogation, Bhai Amolak Singh remained unbroken—a true Jhujaru warrior. The SSP threatened Bhai Lakha Singh, warning that if Bhai Amolak Singh was found involved in Jhujaru activities, they would face consequences. Bhai Lakha Singh reassured them, saying, “Where will this poor soul go anyway?” But Bhai Amolak Singh had other plans. The voice in his head and the memory of Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale’s instructions—to keep the guerrilla warfare alive and continue the struggle—drove him forward. Sitting at home was never an option.

 

Upon returning to his village, he resumed teaching Gurbani Santhiya classes. Even today, Sardar Bagicha Singh reminisces about learning from Bhai Amolak Singh, describing him as a strict yet passionate teacher who excelled at guiding young students. Bhai Bagicha Singh, now serving as a Granthi Sahib in the army, recalls with emotion how great and loving a teacher Bhai Amolak Singh was. For two months, Bhai Amolak Singh had to report to the police station every two weeks so they could monitor him and ensure he did not go underground or reconnect with Jhujaru Singhs. They would also summon him randomly for enquiries—another tactic to keep tabs on him.

 

Joining the Jhujaru Singhs & Pakistan

Eight to ten months later, Bhai Amolak Singh came into contact with Bhai Seetal Singh Jhakkar (Thathi, Tarn Taran) and began serving alongside this group of Jhujaru Singhs. He joined Bhai Pipal Singh Kalian Sakatran and Bhai Jaimal Singh Fauji on a trip to Pakistan to collect weapons. Bhai Anar Singh Para navigated them in this trip as he had become an expert in navigating the border areas. On their second trip, Bhai Amolak Singh and his Jhujaru brothers met other Jhujaru Singhs in Lahore near the border, these Singhs included Bhai Sukhdev Singh Chabba, Bhai Hardev Singh Deba (Jorh Singh Wala), Bhai Mohinder Singh Paundi, Bhai Madha Singh Babbar and others. These Singhs suggested launching an attack at the border to target the CRPF stationed there, which would also yield a large cache of weapons and ammunition.

 

The Jhujaru Singhs targeted a CRPF vehicle which was parked on the border from where the Singhs were to cross the border back into Punjab. Bhai Amolak Singh approached and affixed an explosive to the pulley mechanism of the vehicle. The resulting explosion caused the vehicle to erupt and shatter into a thousand pieces, eliminating all the CRPF soldiers. Bhai Amolak Singh ran forward to retrieve any firearms from the dead Indian soldiers. As he neared the wreckage, Bhai Sahib failed to notice an injured army man kneeling against the tyre. The moment the army man saw Bhai Amolak Singh, he immediately raised his firearm and fired. The bullet pierced through Bhai Amolak Singh’s left-hand’s middle finger, tearing the skin up to his thumb. His right hand was already on his own firearm, positioned against the trigger. The sudden jolt from being shot caused his right hand to activate the trigger, returning fire and killing the CRPF officer. Bhai Amolak Singh quickly collected the firearms, taking the revolver from the Inspector and retrieving two or three SZR firearms. All Jhujaru Singhs successfully escaped and reached their hideouts.

 

Area Commander of Babbar Khalsa

Seeing Bhai Sahib’s endless dedication and loyalty to the movement, Jathedar Sukhdev Singh Babbar convened an area meeting of Babbar Khalsa and announced that Bhai Amolak Singh will be appointed as an Area Commander. He was given a seal and Babbar letterhead as a mark of honour. Bhai Amolak Singh was told he could obtain firearms and ammunition from Bhai Chabba whenever needed and should stay informed about future plans for the movement, keeping a vigilant eye on developments. Bhai Chabba provided the firearms and ammunition and informed Bhai Sahib that from now on, he along with Bhai Pargat Singh Dasuwal, Bhai Major Singh Nadohar, Bhai Kuldip Singh Saido would serve under his command. Together, they were tasked to make significant headway in Jhujaru actions that would shake the state and central authorities to their core. One of the first Jhujaru actions Bhai Amolak Singh did as an Area Commander was blowing up a police deputy’s vehicle with RDX explosives in Cheema village.

 

Bhai Amolak Singh was a master of firearms, demonstrating exceptional skill in deploying them and escaping encounters swiftly and tactfully. One famous confrontation occurred in Cheema village when an informant betrayed their safehouse to the police. The police surrounded the area and announced through a megaphone for the Jhujaru Singhs to surrender. The Jhujaru Singhs, unwilling to back down, responded with a loud war cry and unleashed a hail of bullets in three directions. Among them was a new recruit, Bhai Gurnam Singh Rasulpuriya. All Jhujaru Singhs managed to escape. During the clash and before escaping, Bhai Amolak Singh spotted a CRPF officer beside a tree, hurriedly trying to reload his magazine. Before the officer could react, Bhai Amolak Singh leapt towards him, shot him, and seized his gun. Bhai Amolak Singh was known to loot weapons from dead Indian soldiers so that they can be distributed amongst Jhujaru Singhs.

 

Martyrdom

However, the Cats and informants were tightening their grip across Punjab, leading to the martyrdom of many prominent Jhujaru Singhs. Many began relocating to other states to survive and keep the movement alive. Bhai Amolak Singh himself contemplated moving to Uttar Pradesh as Punjab prepared for harvest season. With fields cleared, there were no longer vast hiding places for the Jhujaru Singhs. Many nights, Jhujaru Singhs spent time amidst these fields, hiding during confrontations and escaping with remarkable ease. Guerilla warfare could only be fought in certain terrains – such as mountains or under the cover of fields and forest lands. Perhaps this is why Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj chose the land of Anandpur Sahib – an area where they could defend themselves and keep watch over incoming enemies.

 

Before going to Uttar Pardesh, Bhai Sahib thought to get Kachere (Sikh under garment) sewn as they may not be available to in others states outside Punjab. On 10th May 1990, Bhai Amolak Singh went to collect his Kachere fand after, Bhai Amolak Singh arrived at residence of Bhai Jaimal Singh (he was like a brother to Bhai Amolak Singh) in Sursingh. Bhai Jaimal Singh’s family knew Bhai Sahib very well and always provided shelter and food to Jhujaru Singhs. Tragically, a police tout informed the police about Bhai Amolak Singh’s location. The following day, when Bhai Sahib was about to depart the house to go Uttar Pardesh, Bhai Jaimal Singh suggested, “Let me come along with you. I can get off near the outskirts of the village and make my own way back.” Bhai Amolak Singh replied, “It is risky to be seen with Jhujaru Singhs. Someone may report you to the police, and you will be harassed and interrogated.” But the young man insisted, “Oh, it’s no trouble at all. Don’t worry about it.” Both set off together. A little ahead, the police lay in ambush. Bhai Amolak Singh and Bhai Jaimal Singh abandoned the scooter and began walking towards the main road to catch a bus.

 

Bhai Amolak Singh noticed the police and he quickly got into position and hurled a hand grenade in front of the police jeep, diverting attention and allowing him and Bhai Jaimal Singh to run into a random house. The police, in pursuit, ran past the house without noticing them. The homeowner and villagers urged them to leave swiftly as the police had gone ahead. But Jaimal Singh had been shot in the ankle and pleaded with Bhai Amolak Singh not to leave him. Bhai Amolak Singh replied, “It’s okay. I’m not going anywhere – and I sense my time has come.” No sooner had he spoken these words, the police returned and surrounded the house. More forces had also arrived and a police jeep parked at the front door. The door was riddled with LMG fire. Eventually, Bhai Amolak Singh had no choice but to emerge. Bhai Amolak Singh threw another grenade towards the police, injuring many officers. The police had mounted on the rooftops of neighbouring house, and like this Bhai Amolak Singh came in the cross hair of police.

 

Villagers recount that Bhai Amolak Singh roared the glorious slogans of the Sikh nation – “Khalistan Zindabad! Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akaal!” – and chanted slogans of Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale. While doing so, the heinous police riddled his body with a hail of bullets. They stood over his body and kicked him, saying, “You had made our lives a headache.” The body of Shaheed Bhai Amolak Singh was taken to hospital. Later that day, it was learned that ten other Jhujaru Singhs from Babbar Khalsa attained Shaheedi. All were cremated on 11th May 1990. The police did not allow families or the congregation to take the bodies, claiming that a large presence of Jhujaru Singhs at the cremation would risk an attack on their forces. Instead, they conducted the cremation themselves under heavy police presence at the cremation grounds in Patti.

 

Honouring Shaheed Bhai Amolak Singh Babbar

After the funerals, more than one hundred Sri Akhand Paath Sahibs were held throughout the district. Bhai Amolak Singh’s parents were honoured with a Siropa for their great son. The Babbar Khalsa and the congregation collectively installed a 125-foot Nishan Sahib at the local village Gurdwara in Shaheed Bhai Amolak Singh Babbar’s memory. Even today, the original smaller Nishan Sahib stands humbly beside this towering one, honouring the Shaheeds and the movement for a free Khalistan. This became a traditional tribute by Jhujaru Singhs – raising a Nishan Sahib in honour of the Shaheeds. However, this was a thorn in the side of the police. SSP Sandhu despised it and went around having Nishan Sahibs removed. He was unsuccessful here, as the congregation from Talwandi Budh Singh, Patti, and Tarn Taran protested and guarded it day and night. They did not allow its removal. Out of spite, SSP Sandhu tore off the plaque bearing Shaheed Bhai Amolak Singh Babbar’s name. Even today, the edges and screws of that removed plaque remain visible.

 

Information given by the family of Shaheed Bhai Amolak Singh Babbar