Shaheed Bhai Natha Singh Sekhon

Martyr of June 1984

 

Bhai Natha Singh was born in 1968 to the blessed womb of Mata Veer Kaur and in the house of Sardar Chanan Singh, in the village of Sangna, near Thande, district Amritsar. He was one of four children, alongside two brothers and one sister: Bhai Sucha Singh, Bhai Natha Singh, Bibi Balvinder Kaur, and Bhai Balraj Singh. Like many families in Punjab, Bhai Natha Singh belonged to an agricultural household, with their livelihood rooted in farming. The family owned land on which they cultivated crops such as wheat, generating an annual income from its sale. The whole family were a deeply devoted and disciplined, firmly grounded in their faith in Sikhi. Bhai Natha Singh studied up to the fifth grade at his local village school in Sangna. Thereafter, he joined his family in agricultural work, tending to their land and contributing to the sustenance of the household. His father passed away in 1974, placing greater responsibility upon the family at a young stage in his life.

 

Bhai Sahib’s marriage to Bibi Gurjit Kaur was arranged, and their Anand Karaj took place in 1977, when he was just nineteen years old. With this, family responsibilities came to rest upon his shoulders, alongside his brothers. Bhai Natha Singh and his wife, Bibi Gurjit Kaur, were blessed with three children: Harwinder Kaur, Surinder Kaur and Nishan Singh. He was of strong stature and athletic build, a physically hardworking individual capable of lifting heavy loads with ease. Despite his robust appearance, his nature was gentle, humble, and loving. He never degraded or judged others, treating all with equality regardless of their religion or background. His devotion to his faith was deeply ingrained, and he would frequently travel to Amritsar to pay homage at the holiest site of the Sikhs, Sri Harimandir Sahib.

 

From the outset of the Dharam Yudh Morcha in August 1982, Bhai Natha Singh began attending congregational gatherings led by Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale. During this time, he became increasingly influenced, gaining a deeper understanding of the religious and political injustices faced by the Sikhs and Punjab under the Indian Government.

 

On 1st June 1984, tensions escalated as the Indian Army occupied the surrounding areas of Sri Darbar Sahib. The Jhujaru Singhs fortified Sri Harmandir Sahib under the military guidance of General Shabeg Singh. The army initiated its assault with test shots to identify defensive positions from which return fire might emerge. However, General Shabeg Singh had already instructed the Jhujaru Singhs not to respond, recognising this as a strategic attempt to locate opposition forces. He advised that resistance should only begin once the army entered the complex, at which point they were to be confronted with full force. It was on this very day that the first Shaheed was announced: Bhai Mengha Singh Babbar, who had taken position atop Baba Atal Sahib and was struck by a bullet around midday.

 

Bhai Natha Singh made it his duty and contribution to retrieve wheat crop from his local village farmers as donation to take to Sri Darbar Sahib. He returned back to Sri Darbar Sahib on 1st June with the goods. Once he was back at the complex, he went on to attend the interval sermons being delivered by Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale during this extremely precarious time. Bhai Natha Singh went and sat next to Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale. During this time, bullet shots were heard and came directly into the area of where the congregation were sitting. These bullets struck 11 members of the congregation, attaining Shaheedi (martyrdom).

 

Bhai Natha Singh knew he was in the midst of this battle and fully acknowledged there was no other option but to fight. In his heart and mind, he had already dedicated himself to sacrifice his life for the Khalsa against these injustices. Bhai Natha Singh then took responsibility and participated in the funeral arrangements for the 11 Shaheeds. Following this, Bhai Natha Singh took instruction from Sant Jarinal Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale and other Jhujaru Singhs. He went on to his designated battle position and became organised with his group there ready for battle.

 

On 3rd June, Bhai Natha Singh’s mother arrived at Sri Harminder Sahib to find him. Upon seeing him, she pleaded with her son to come back home for the sake of his family. Bhai Natha Singh explained this fight is for their family and for the Khalsa Panth. He will not turn his back on Guru Sahib, so refused his mother. “Only when Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale says so, only then will I return. This blessed opportunity has come my way to serve my nation and I will not give up this chance, it is a blessing.” Bhai Sahib requested his mother to return home and wish his wife a final farewell in the traditional Sikh Greeting of “Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.” Bhai Natha Singh went on to fight and defend Sri Harmandir Sahib from the tyrants of India and laid down his life for the cause, attaining martyrdom during this battle.

 

Information given by the family of Shaheed Bhai Natha Singh Sekhon