Shaheed Bhai Kashmir Singh Driver

Martyr of June 1984

 

Bhai Kashmir Singh was born to the blessed parents, Mata Prakash Kaur and Sardar Laal Singh, in the village of Dhagana, Patti, district Tarn Taran. He was the eldest of four siblings, with three younger brothers – Bhai Mohinder Singh, Bhai Rattan Singh, and Resham Singh. The family earned their livelihood through agriculture, cultivating their ancestral land. After completing his secondary education, Bhai Kashmir Singh joined his family in farming. In addition to land in Ganga Nagar, the family also owned property in Rajasthan, where Bhai Kashmir Singh would often stay to manage the fields.

 

A deeply devoted and spiritual Gursikh, Bhai Kashmir Singh’s journey into Sikhi flourished when he joined the sangat of Damdami Taksal under the leadership of the revered Sant Kartar Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale, the 13th Jathedar of the Taksal. During the late 1970s, Sant Kartar Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale spearheaded a powerful movement to revive Sikhi among the youth of Punjab, conducting extensive preachings across villages. Thousands were inspired to reconnect with their roots, embrace the Khalsa way of life, and receive Amrit. Sant Kartar Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale dedicated his mission to eradicating the scourge of drugs and alcohol, guiding countless souls back to the path of righteousness. Tragically, on 3rd August 1977, Sant Kartar Singh Ji was involved in a car accident. Medical treatment required the removal of his hair, which he steadfastly refused, choosing death over compromising his faith. He passed away and was united with Waheguru on 16th August 1977.

 

With the Guru’s blessings, Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale was appointed as the 14th Jathedar of Damdami Taksal. Bhai Kashmir Singh pledged his unwavering service to the Khalsa Panth and became a trusted aide of Sant Jarnail Singh Ji, serving as his official driver alongside Bhai Dara Singh Driver. Both shared deep mutual respect and pride in their selfless service.

 

On 19th July 1982, Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale launched the Dharam Yudh Morcha. Bhai Kashmir Singh played a vital role in transporting the Sangat to Sri Darbar Sahib and various protest sites, encouraging participation and rekindling the spirit of Sikhi. As tensions escalated, Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale foresaw the need for fortifications around Sri Darbar Sahib. Bhai Kashmir Singh was entrusted with a highly sensitive duty: discreetly transporting reinforcement materials, firearms, and ammunition. This task, executed with utmost precision by Bhai Kashmir Singh and Bhai Dara Singh, proved crucial during the historic Battle of Amritsar in June 1984.

 

When the Indian Army launched its assault on Sri Harmandir Sahib, deploying tanks, cannons, machine guns, helicopters, and thousands of troops under the orders of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Bhai Kashmir Singh stood firm among the fearless Jhujaru Singhs and Singhnia. They fought valiantly, defending the Guru’s sanctuary with unmatched courage.

 

Bhai Kashmir Singh had recently married, with Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale himself arranging his Anand Karaj. Yet, on the battlefield, he embraced the ultimate union sacrificing his life for the Guru-Panth. Like countless brave souls, he attained Shaheedi with a smile, knowing his sacrifice was for righteousness and Waheguru’s grace. In this way, Bhai Kashmir Singh’s name was etched into history as one of the courageous warriors who gave everything to protect the sanctity of Sri Harmandir Sahib and uphold the honour of the Khalsa Panth.

 

Information given by fellow Singhs Shaheed Bhai Kashmir Singh Driver from Damdami Taksal