Page 47 - PSLgurmatbook62020

Union Territory. He also said that Sikhism is a distinct religion.

Thousands of people joined the movement. Bhindranwale knew that

if the Akali Dal leaders supported the movement, the Sikhs would be
victorious in getting the resolutions passed. But sadly, almost all

Akali leaders betrayed the Sikhs and Sant Jarnail Singh
Bhindranwale. They had secret meetings and reached an

understanding with Prime Minister Indira Gandhi that they will not
stand in her way if she used armed forces to attack and destroy

Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. All they wanted in return was to be

a minister and chief minister.

In October 1983, President's Rule was imposed in Punjab. Sikhs
were labeled as ‘extremists or terrorists’. Police was given power to

search arrest and kill anyone they suspected of disturbing peace in

Punjab. Hundreds of Sikhs were killed in fake encounters with
police. It seemed that Indian government was not interested in

resolving Sikh issues with talks.

Sant Bhindranwale wanted to be prepared for a showdown. He had

warned the government that if they stepped inside the Golden
Temple Complex, the foundation of Khalistan would be laid then.

On December 15, 1983 Sant Ji and a few of his men entered Akal
Takhat at Amritsar. They gathered weapons also as they knew that

there might be an encounter with the Indian army.

Sant Ji used to say, "Indira and Congress have labelled me a

terrorist. If getting Sikhs to take Amrit and stay away from drugs,
alcohol, meat, trimming their hair and beards…is the work of a

terrorist then yes I am a terrorist."

Sikhs were preparing to celebrate the Shaheedi Diwas of Guru

Arjan Dev Ji. Indian government chose that time to attack the
Sikhs and their holiest Gurdwara, Harimandar Sahib. A curfew was

Sikh History and Gurmat Sikhia Book 6 2020 Edition Page 45