Shaheed Bhai Hardev Singh Rode

 

Between 13th April 1978 and June 1984, the Sikh community faced severe repression as they sought to assert their rights and address grievances with the Indian government. Despite nearly seven years of peaceful efforts, the government persistently ignored Sikh demands and attempted to silence their voices through harsh measures. The Punjab Police and central forces engaged in widespread human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings of innocent Sikhs. In response to this state-sanctioned brutality, many young Sikhs, disillusioned by the lack of peaceful resolutions, took up arms to defend their community and seek justice. Bhai Hardev Singh Rode was one such brave Singh, a member of the Bhindranwala Jatha led by Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale. Along with other dedicated Singhs, Bhai Hardev Singh took on the responsibility of punishing those responsible for these human rights violations, standing as a defender of Sikh rights and dignity during this turbulent period.

 

Bhai Hardev Singh Rode was a courageous Sikh freedom fighter who attained martyrdom on 16th March 1983, at the age of 21. He was born on 15th July 1962, into a devout Sikh family in the village of Rode, located in Bagha Purana, Moga, Punjab. His father, Sardar Harnek Singh, and mother, Mata Dalip Kaur, raised him alongside his two brothers, Bhai Charanjit Singh and Bhai Shamsher Singh, and his sister, Bibi Paramjit Kaur. Bhai Hardev Singh Rode spent his early years in Rode, where he received his education up to middle school. He completed the rest of his education up to matriculation in Ghal Kalan, the village of his aunt (his father’s sister). Bhai Hardev Singh loved playing hockey as a sport. Despite the challenges faced by his community, he was determined to make a difference. After completing his education, he took up farming, a common occupation in his village, and worked hard to support his family.

 

Bhai Hardev Singh was deeply inspired by the teachings of Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale and became an active member of the Sant Bhindranwale’s group. Alongside other prominent Singhs such as Bhai Anokh Singh Ubhoke, Bhai Jasveer Singh Kuku Rode, Bhai Gurmukh Singh Garvai, Bhai Nachhattar Singh Rode, and Bhai Joginder Singh Rode, Hardev Singh fought valiantly for the rights and freedoms of the Sikh community. His involvement was driven by a deep sense of duty to protect the Sikh faith and uphold justice, even at the cost of his own life.

 

The Manawala action marked a pivotal moment in the Sikh struggle, highlighting the ultimate sacrifice of Shaheed Bhai Hardev Singh Rode. On 16th March 1983, Hardev Singh, along with four other Singhs, Bhai Anokh Singh Ubhoke, Bhai Kuku Singh Rode, Bhai Gurmukh Singh Garvai, and Bhai Joginder Singh Rode embarked on a mission from Sri Darbar Sahib. Their objective was to take action against SSP D.R. Bhatti, known for his oppressive actions against the Sikh community in Ludhiana. However, their mission was thwarted when they were ambushed by the police near Manawala, a village in the Amritsar district.

 

But the police had meticulously planned the ambush by using two trucks to create a blockade on a bridge over GT Road near Manawala. One truck was parked straight, while the other was deliberately positioned crookedly to force approaching vehicles to slow down. The Singhs, traveling in a jeep, encountered this blockade in the early hours of the morning, around 4am. As the jeep, driven by Bhai Gurmukh Singh Garvai, slowed down to navigate around the blockade, the police opened fire without warning. The primary target was the driver, but due to the jeep’s left-hand drive (a foreign make), the bullets struck Bhai Hardev Singh Rode, who was seated in the front passenger seat. Bhai Hardev Singh was hit directly and succumbed to his injuries on the spot, attaining martyrdom at the age of 22.

 

The sudden attack left the Singhs in a dire situation. Bhai Anokh Singh Ubhoke and Bhai Jasveer Singh Kuku were also seriously injured, while the remaining Singhs returned fire, injuring SSP Pandey, one of the officers leading the ambush. Despite the heavy police firing, Bhai Gurmukh Singh Bhure managed to manoeuvre the damaged jeep and escape the blockade, demonstrating remarkable courage. The left tires of the jeep were blown out due to the intense firing, yet Bhai Gurmukh Singh Garvai’s skilful driving ensured their escape.

 

After fleeing the scene, the Singhs drove the damaged jeep to the house of Bhai Jarnail Singh Dodhi, a trusted ally located on a route connecting Tarn Taran and Jandiala Guru. There, they burned the jeep involved in the encounter. From Bhai Dodhi’s home, they continued their journey back to Sri Harmandir Sahib in the car of the Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib. To prevent detection and avoid any evidence falling into the hands of the police, Baba Gurbachan Singh Manochahal and Bhai Major Singh Nagoke later destroyed the jeep. The body of Shaheed Bhai Hardev Singh Rode was respectfully returned to his native village, Rode, where he was laid to rest with full honours. Meanwhile, Bhai Anokh Singh Ubhoke received treatment for his injuries at Guru Nanak Nivas in Darbar Sahib Amritsar.

 

The Manawala action is remembered not only for the tragic loss of Shaheed Bhai Hardev Singh Rode but also for the resilience and bravery of the Singhs involved. Despite the ambush, their actions struck a blow against oppressive forces and inspired others in the ongoing Sikh struggle. Bhai Hardev Singh Rode’s Shaheedi stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of those who fought for their faith and community, ensuring their legacy continues to inspire future generations.

 

Information given by the family of Shaheed Bhai Hardev Singh Rode