Shaheed Bhai Kuldeep Singh Dulat

Martyr of June 1984

 

Bhai Kuldeep Singh was born in 1962 to the blessed womb of Mata Prakash Kaur and in the house of father, Sardar Subeg Singh, in the village of Yodhiyan Di Dhani (known as Dulat now), district Fatehabad, in Haryana state. He was one of three children, alongside his brothers Bhai Hardeep Singh and Bhai Jasvir Singh. The family was deeply devoted to their Sikh faith and closely connected with the renowned Sikh educational institution, Damdami Taksal, a respected school dedicated to Sikh religious studies. From a young age, Bhai Kuldeep Singh spent many months there, immersing himself in spiritual training and learning. At Damdami Taksal, he learned how to read and recite Gurbani with precision, known as Santhiya, including the full recitation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj. Bhai Sahib also learned the sacred duties associated with preserving the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj. His education extended to martial arts, physical discipline, and horse riding—skills that shaped students into knowledgeable and purposeful Gursikhs committed to intentional living.

 

In 1982, the 14th leader of Damdami Taksal was Jathedar Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale. During this period, Punjab experienced significant religious and social upheaval, much of it the result of anti-Sikh propaganda and actions instigated by the central government. Since the partition of 1947, Sikhs had felt betrayed by the Indian Government for failing to uphold the promise of establishing Punjab as an autonomous federal state. This breach of trust weighed heavily on the Sikh community, who viewed these actions as part of a broader effort to suppress Sikh aspirations for autonomy. Sikhs had a long history of self-governance and leadership, and the central government sought to limit these expressions of independence.

 

Over time, various measures were introduced to weaken Sikh identity—targeting the Punjabi language, altering agricultural structures, and influencing cultural norms. These pressures gave rise to several religious and political movements. One such movement was the Akali agitation of the late 1970s and early 1980s. However, it gained renewed momentum only when Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale stepped forward to educate the masses on the growing injustices. Matters intensified after the arrests of his close companions, Bhai Amrik Singh and Bhai Thara Singh.

This marked the beginning of the Dharam Yudh Morcha, a movement demanding justice and the release of Sikh detainees. Many young Sikh men participated in large-scale self-arrest protests as an act of peaceful resistance.

 

The Manji Sahib Hall, located within the Sri Harimandir Sahib complex, became the central hub of the movement. Here, daily sermons and speeches were delivered to the congregation, often by Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale. Bhai Kuldeep Singh was an enthusiastic supporter of the movement and participated wholeheartedly. He himself undertook multiple self-arrests as part of the peaceful protests. During the gatherings, Bhai Sahib was known for raising spirited slogans, energising the congregation with his passion and unwavering commitment.

 

This era led to the tragic events of June 1984, culminating in the Battle of Amritsar. Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale was acutely aware of the looming threat of violence from the Indian State. A series of escalating events ultimately resulted in the Indian government launching a military assault on Sri Harimandir Sahib. In preparation, the complex had been fortified under the guidance of General Shabeg Singh, a distinguished and highly respected former officer of the Indian Army. After decades of loyal service, he was dismissed without cause, pension, or recognition—a painful reminder that the government did not regard Sikh soldiers as its own. With a deep sense of betrayal, he joined Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale at Sri Harimandir Sahib, where he was entrusted with planning and executing the entire defence strategy. Strategic vantage points were established, ammunition was secured, and training was provided to Singhs and Singhnia willing to defend Sri Darbar Sahib. Bhai Kuldeep Singh proudly counted himself among the brave souls willing to defend the sanctity of Sri Darbar Sahib. He underwent training with complete dedication and was prepared to sacrifice his life for his faith.

 

During the days of battle, Bhai Sahib fought with remarkable courage and strategic precision, defending Sri Harimandir Sahib with the heart of a lion. It was here, fighting shoulder to shoulder with Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale, Baba Thara Singh, and other Jhujaru Singhs, that he attained martyrdom. Struck by incoming fire from the Indian Army, Bhai Kuldeep Singh breathed his last in the sacred sanctuary of Sri Guru Ram Das Ji Maharaj.

 

Information given by the family of Shaheed Bhai Kuldeep Singh Dulat