Interview with Kharkoo

I've been sent an audio file of an interview from a Kharkoo Singh taken in 1992. The quality is quite bad due to how old it is but it’s an absolute gem if you would like to know about the jeevan of the Kharkoo Singhs and Singhnia. Unfortunately I can't upload the audio because I've agreed to the source of where I got it from that I wouldn't. But I am going to translate it into English and type it up.

Interview with gupt Kharkoo Singh (1992)



Interviewer: Tell me about your childhood and how you became involved with the movement ?

Gupt Singh: I was born in Chandigarh in 1964. I come from an upper class rich family and have one sister. My parents were both employed by the government and had decent jobs. My father has always worked very hard in order for us to have a good education and upbringing. He came from quite a poor background and always used to say 'I don't want my children to go through what I have been through'. Both of my parents were not very devoted to Sikhi, they used to go Gurdwara but there was no emphasis on reading Gurbani or doing Simran. We were like a typical modern Sikh family from Chandigarh.

My father was against Sant Ji (Sant Jarnail Singh Ji), he used to say "he's uneducated, what does he know about Sikhi?" I never knew any better so I never thought much of it. My sister was really educated; she always used to get top grades in her whole class out of everyone. That’s how my childhood passed, I just wanted to get a good education.

I remember when Sant Ji started appearing on TV and on the cover of newspapers; I was interested into learning about what he stood for. I wondered is he really a Sant? I was speaking to a relative about Sant Ji and he said how Sant Ji had ordered the killings of innocent Hindus. This disgusted me; I thought is that what a Sant is supposed to do? i said some very harsh words, which I can't repeat. This played on my mind for days how he is giving Sikhs a bad reputation!

I was sat on a bus on the way back home from College and this old lady walked towards where I was sitting. With every step she took she was saying 'Waheguru'. There were many seats available but she sat next to me. As the bus was going she started doing paat, at the time I didn't know what it was but i kept hearing her say Sant.

She kept repeating Gurbani for about 10 minutes, and then she stopped and looked at me. I couldn't look at her in the eyes, it felt as if she had power in her eyes. She looked at me and said "son, to slander a saint is a massive sin"

She then said "how can one who repeats the lords name and Gurbani all day and with every breath be in the wrong? The government is trying to give us Sikhs a bad name and make false accusations, where they are actually the ones carrying out these attacks. Only time will tell and the whole world will see who is true and who is false."

My heart sank, i thought to myself how does she know I've been slandering Sant Ji.

At this point I realized that what a mistake I had made, this mother knew what I had been thinking. Such is the power of Gurbani! I asked her what she meant about only time will tell.

She replied "the future for Sikhs is going to be a struggle. Have faith my beloved son, you have been sent here also for a duty. Us Sikhs are born from sacrifice, we shouldn’t be afraid. Sant Jarnail Singh Ji is a beloved of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, never doubt this."

She then patted me on my shoulder, when her hand touched my shoulder I felt some sort of power form her hand. She then said "As Sikhs we have a duty, we must oppose injustices, when you carry out your duty, remember this"

With these words she got off the bus, as I looked back to see where she had gone she was nowhere to be seen. Only now I know that she kept repeating the salok:

"sant saran jo jan parai so jan oudhharanehaar, sant kee nidhaa naanakaa bahur bahur avathaar"

"One who seeks the Sanctuary of the Saints shall be saved. One, who slanders the Saints, O Nanak, shall be reincarnated over and over again."

I was confused about her saying about my duty; however, I still feel to this day that when she patted my shoulder my whole life changed from that day onwards.

Interviewer: When did you meet Sant Ji?

After meeting this mother on the bus, I had a great desire to meet Sant Ji. I knew he held diwans at Manji Sahib Gurdwara, so I decided to make my way to Sri Amritsar when I heard he was going to hold a diwan. I was nervous on the way to Sri Amritsar, I did not know what to expect. When I got there I remember it was a really hot day, I first paid my respects in Sri Darbar Sahib and did parkarma at all the Gurdwareh on the complex.

When I entered Sant Jis diwan, I remember exactly that Sant Ji was wearing a white chola with blue dastar. As i was walking to matha tek Guru Granth Sahib Ji I could feel there was something special about him. I had a 'khitch' (pulling feeling) in my stomach as I got closer, but I still remember the feeling was towards Guru Granth Sahib Ji. This assured me that Sant Ji did not want people to follow him, but to follow Guru Granth Sahib Ji. His voice was like thunder, there was silence as he spoke. Sant Ji had the roop (image) of a true Khalsa. I really felt I was in the presence of Guru Gobind Singh Jis fauj (army).

Sant Ji was talking about the importance of taking Amrit in that diwan and how a Sikh should look like his father. When the diwan finished, I wanted to go say Fateh to Sant Ji but there was too much rush. I stayed that night in Sri Amritsar in the niwas. The next day I went back to Chandigarh. I did not tell my family that I saw Sant Ji, they would have got worried. From that day onwards I started doing my Nitnem. Sant Ji was my inspiration; he was the inspiration of many Sikhs in Punjab at the time. As days increased I increased my Nitnem to the extent where I started developing a love for Sikhi. I wanted to take Amrit, but my parents said "you are at the age where education is important; you can do that sort of stuff after. I was heart broken that my parents did not allow me to take Amrit. I did not have the courage to go against their will.

Interviewer: So how did you become involved in the movement?

My sister was coming home from college one day on the bus. She studied quite far away and used to arrive home after me. I was waiting and noticed she was later than usual. Suddenly she came home running crying and screaming. I asked "sister what’s the matter?" I went to touch her to try and comfort her but when I got near to her she screamed really loud. I kept asking "sister what’s the matter?" She would not talk to me; she locked herself in her room. I could hear her crying for a while. My parents had come home by now. My mother managed to get her to open the door and went in to her room. My mother also started crying, I thought maybe someone had died.

My mother came out and told me and my father...

(Editors note: The Singh breaks down into tears as he tells what happened to his sister.)

Two policemen had stolen my sister’s izzet (they raped her). They dragged her into a police jeep and raped her! My sister was an innocent good girl, why would someone do this. As they raped her they referred to her as 'Sardara di Kurri'. They said "if you tell anyone we will kill you". From this day my sister could not even go near any men, it took a while for her to even go near me. This changed my life! These things changed many people’s lives in Punjab. Many of our sisters izzet was taken by these dogs. I thought to myself, she was raped because she was the daughter of a Sikh, these sons of cowards will pay! Sant Ji used to say in his diwans "those that take the izzet of women should be punished!" This event led me to join the movement to take justice for all those that were oppressed by the government.

Interviewer: How did you come into contact with other Singhs in the movement?

This disrespect to my sister changed my life, it drove me to Amrit. I did not care what my parents thought anymore, my 'dil' (heart) was telling me to take justice. In the days leading up to the Amrit Sanchar I used to do an ardas everyday to Guru Gobind Singh Ji that please bless me with your Amrit, please give me the 'himmat' (courage) to take justice for our people, I am nothing and can only succeed if you bless me. The day I tasted Amrit was the day I promised to take justice. When we take Amrit we should become fearless because we become immortal. If we keep faith then Guru Gobind Singh Ji shall bless us with this ability.

I was listening to Sant Jis katha on 'ab mein apni katha bakhano'. Guru Gobind Singh Ji says that they have come to the earth to spread 'Dharam' (righteousness) and destroy the tyrants. When we take Amrit we have to understand our duty. If we live and watch injustices happen then we are not Khalsa! When I became Amritdhari I made it my duty to oppose injustice!

When the government attacked Sri Darbar Sahib, that was it, I left home and joined the Singhs. This woke a lot of people up, it made everyone really sad that our Sri Darbar Sahib was attacked. Why did they kill women and children as well? They wanted to eradicate Sikhi, if no one stood up we would be finished! We have no enmity for Hindus, our fight is with the government.

I had to learn my Nitnem off by heart; we are always on the run. We do not have time to sit in one place. We get about 3-4 hours sleep a day. If you read Gurbani, it gives you the 'shakti' (power) to live in these conditions. The fight is not over. Many Singhs have become Shaheed but this makes us stronger! The government has picked a fight with the wrong people.

Interviewer: Which group are you a part of and who is your jathedar?

I am a part of Guru Gobind Singh Jis army and Guru ji is my jathedar. You can never ask this question to any kharkoo. Even if our Singhs are tortured we still do not give this information. To be a Kharkoo, you have to be loyal to your group and never reveal information to anybody; it can affect the running of our mission.

One thing I can tell you is that, we made them police officers pay! We watched them for many days; it was frustrating because as soon as I saw them I wanted to kill them. But a Shere doesn’t pounce straight away, he watches his prey then kills. Once we figured out their daily pattern we attacked. This strategy is the most effective when you are fighting underground. It’s the first time I've killed someone, but I do not regret it. My sister's life is ruined because of those dogs. Killing them policemen has not changed my sister but at least they can't do that to someone else's sister. We ambushed their jeep and bombarded them with our 'baarra bore' (12 bore Shotguns). There were four of us on two motorcycles; we left the scene shouting 'Raj Karega Khalsa!'

Interviewer: Do you want Khalistan?

Of course we do, there is no other option. We can't live like slaves, we want to be free. We want to live in a place where there is justice. Our homeland is the only solution. The government will not provide us with equal rights; we have no choice but to fight for Khalistan.

Interviewer: When do you think we will get Khalistan?

That is up to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, we can't decide that. Our duty is to fight for it even though it may take many years. I have studied a lot of history of revolutions from other countries. It took some of them many years, but in the end they still succeeded. I have studied Che Guevara and his revolution in Cuba. If you look at their movement, they started from just 80 people. They over powered a whole country. In their first battle they were left with about 20 people. They had the fighting spirit but most of all they had the support of their own people. Che Guevara and his men were soldiers, but we are saint-soldiers of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. We have the 'shakti' (power) of Gurbani on our side.

There are many families that have supported us, but our politicians have let us down. I speak to many Kharkoos from other groups and they all say this too. We do not want credit; we do not want people to worship us. But all we ask is that if we become Shaheed just please look after our families. Has any organization supported the families of Shaheeds? Have they ever even bothered to ask if they are alright? I feel so much 'dukh' (pain) when I hear how the families of some of the great Shaheeds of our panth are mistreated.

Interviewer: Have you ever been arrested or imprisoned?

Many times I have been arrested. I am currently wanted for the killing of those two dogs (police officers). The last time I was arrested was because someone informed the police of a safe house we had. Before they even asked me anything, I was beaten for hours with sticks. The police men ripped my dastar off my head and pulled my hair, threatening to cut it. They then started asking me where the rest of my group was and what our plans were. I didn't reply, I just kept repeating Chaupai Sahib as they beat me.

That night I thought they were going to kill me. When a child gets scared in the night he cries out for his mother. That night I cried out for my mother. I did an ardas to Mata Sahib Kaur Ji "dear beloved mother please help me, I am your child, please help me". As I finished my ardas, I said Fateh then lay down on the floor. Mata Ji had heard my ardas, I could not feel any pain in my body anymore. I felt as if I had been given a fresh body. Such is the greatness of our mother; Mata Sahib Kaur Ji. That night I had such a beautiful sleep. I had a dream of the establishment of Khalistan, a place where there was no 'dukh' or injustice. All I could see in my dream was peace, love and happiness. Singhs and Singhnia were reciting Gurbani, there were children learning how to read and write Punjabi. I will never forget that dream; I hope one day it becomes a reality.

In the morning, the officer in charged came to see me. He said I think there has been a mistake and you are free to go. I thought this was there plan to kill me and say I tried to escape. I was then released from the police station. I have full belief that it was my mother that had saved me that night. I was wanted by the police, how could they have suddenly thought they had made a mistake? These events that have taken place in my life have built my faith in Gurbani, without Gurbani we can never achieve anything.

Interviewer: What do you plan to do now?

Many of our members are now Shaheed, we need to recruit more people. Not just militants, in each group you need a mixture of people. We used to have a Doctor in our group, when anyone was ever wounded in an encounter he would see to them. We also have support from some rich people, who help finance our group. There’s many ways in which people can help. We also used to have a policeman who used to inform us of any wrong doings carried out by other police officers.

We do not desire raaj, we want freedom so we can express our love for our Guru in a just manner. Sant Ji said when the Indian government attacks Sri Darbar Sahib then the foundation for Khalistan will be laid down. They've attacked so the foundation has now been laid.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ke Fateh

End of translation

The Singh who was interviewed became a Shaheed in 1994. The police carried out a fake encounter and shot him. The three Singhs who were with him when they killed the policemen who raped his sister are still alive. No information is known of there whereabouts. The Shaheed Singhs family still live in their house in Chandigarh.

Satkar (respect)

Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Listen to Non stop Akhand patth 24/7 everyday. What a wikid seva! Guru Kirpa keep it up.

http://www.sikhnet.com/s/sikhnetradio

Human Rights Watch finds India's record tainted by violations

A world rights body has spotlighted abuses in Pakistan, Kenya and China, but finds India's record also marred by continuing violations by security forces in counterinsurgency operations and armed militant groups. Human Rights Watch in its 2008 report released Thursday also blames the US, European Union and other established democracies for undermining human rights worldwide "by allowing autocrats to pose as democrats, without demanding they uphold the civil and political rights that make democracy meaningful".

The report gives the example of Pakistan, where "President Pervez Musharraf has tilted the electoral playing field by rewriting the constitution and firing the independent judiciary", in the run up to the poll in mid February, the US and Britain, Islamabad's largest aid donors, have refused to link assistance to the government on improving pre-electoral conditions.

In India, Washington based Human Rights Watch blames the security agencies as well as the insurgents and terrorists for violations.

"Armed groups have been responsible for attacks on civilians, killings, torture, and extortion. In response, however, Indian security forces have repeatedly engaged in abusive tactics," its report says.

The report adds that despite signing a new UN treaty to combat forced disappearances in February 2007, "the Indian government is yet to launch a credible independent investigation into alleged disappearances and fake encounter killings throughout the country".

The report notes that violence in Kashmir has abated slightly, but police's own investigations into a missing persons case in Jammu and Kashmir in early 2007 revealed that "people were being killed in custody by security forces who constructed fake armed encounters, staging executions to look like acts of defence".

The report says Maoists have been very active in 2007 in several states. They have exploited vulnerable groups by imposing illegal taxes and demands for food and shelter. Succumbing to such extortion puts civilians at risk of retaliation by security forces.

"Violent attacks, whether perpetuated by the Maoists or security forces, take place in remote areas, making it difficult to independently monitor the situation," the report says.

On Punjab, the report says, there was still no progress in investigating thousands of secret cremations in 2007.

"Following a spate of violent attacks by Sikh militants starting in the early 1980s, security forces illegally detained, tortured, executed, or "disappeared" thousands of people during counterinsurgency operations. None of the security officials who bear substantial responsibility for these violations has been brought to justice," the report says.

There was also no progress in justice for victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, according to the report.

On Gujarat, the report says: "Despite national and international condemnation, the state government continues to protect those responsible for the killing of Muslims during the 2002 riots."

The report adds that though a special court convicted 100 people for their involvement in the 1993 serial bomb attacks in Mumbai, those believed responsible for attacks upon Muslims in January 1993 which preceded the bomb blasts are yet to be prosecuted and punished.

The report notes India's failure to actively promote democracy and human rights in response to crises in Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Bangladesh while it continued peace talks with Pakistan to settle Kashmir and other disputed issues.

http://indiainteracts.com/gossip/2008/02/0...-by-violations/

Here's a link to the Human Rights Report (pdf)

http://hrw.org/wr2k8/pdfs/wr2k8_web.pdf

Justice for Past Abuses in Punjab (Human Rights Report)

In 2007 there was still no progress in investigating thousands of secret cremations in the northern state of Punjab. Following a spate of violent attacks by Sikh militants starting in the early 1980s, security forces illegally detained, tortured, executed, or “disappeared” thousands of people during counterinsurgency operations. None of the security officials who bear substantial responsibility for these violations has been brought to justice. The National Human Rights Commission in 2007 prepared for final hearings to determine compensation in a small number of cases, but the government still has not investigated how people died and who was responsible.

Witness comes foward

Sajjan Kumar ex congress MP

Chandigarh: The trauma Gurcharan Singh Rishi faced was so intense that for 23 years he stayed in oblivion, fearing that his persecutors may still be hounding him.

Though he survived the attempt on his life on November 1, 1984, in the Sikh genocide in Delhi, he continues to remain paralyzed and has burns waist below.

After all these years, he has finally received strength from Akal Takht that has asked people to come forward and testify against those who had indulged in the crime.

Having remained in hiding, first in Mohali and now at Balongi on the city’s outskirts, Gurcharan, whose entire family became victim of the riots, came out before the media today and said, “Even today Congress MP Sajjan Kumar’s voice echoes in my ears. While inciting his henchmen he told them not a single Sikh should escape, these dogs should be punished,” he said with a choked voice.

He said he was willing to make a statement before the CBI or any other court to ensure that the guilty are brought to book.

When asked why it took him so long to respond, Gurcharan, who was accompanied by his brother and some friends, said, “We registered an FIR in Delhi and took the same to the administration in Delhi and Mohali a couple of times, but no one listened to us. Till day not a single paisa has come to my family as compensation, but in the state I am in, it is not possible to continue my struggle for compensation or justice”.

Recalling his nightmare, Gurcharan said on November 1 he and his family were caught unawares by a mob led by Sajjan Kumar. “We were told that nothing will happen to us and they only wanted to ensure that no unwanted element was hiding in our house. The moment my father and my maternal uncle came out, they started hitting them. My uncle Santok Singh died on the spot. The rest of the family fled, but most, including my brother, were injured. I hid in the kitchen, but soon I was overpowered and thrown into a burning truck outside the house.”

He was rescued by Bonnie and Tarlok Chand, a Dalit and a Hindu neighbour, after the mob left. For three days they kept hiding in a burnt-down house of a relative.

On the third day, a rescue team took him to the ESI Hospital, while his father was taken to the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. But they were discharged without much medical aid as a result of which Gurcharan till date has many open wounds on his legs and knees.

Gurcharan’s family approached the All-India Sikh Student Federation (AISSF) president Karnail Singh Peer Mohammad, who asked him if he was ready to face the media. Gurcharan told mediapersons that he saw Sajjan Kumar inciting his henchmen at Nawada in Delhi, who later burnt a Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Mohan Garden, where his father was the president and also properties of many Sikhs.

Apprehending threat to his life and his family, Gurcharan has sought CRPF protection and added that if anything were to happen to him, Sajjan Kumar should be held responsible.

Demanding that Sajjan and his henchmen like Kirpa Ram be punished, he said he was willing to file affidavits or statements as per law.

Crowds gathered for Gaza siege demo

More than 100 people turned out for a rally in Preston against the siege in Gaza, Palestine.

The demonstration, organised by Preston Stop the War Coalition and the campaigning and educational charity Children of the Ghetto, took place at the Flag Market on Saturday, February 2, at 2pm.

Mukhtar Master, chairman of Preston Stop the War, said: "We have looked with horror at what is happening in Gaza - there is a humanitarian crisis unfolding before our eyes.

"But this is not the result of a natural disaster; this is a catastrophe made by powerful men in Israel, America and Britain.

"We have to raise our voice, demonstrate and bring this dreadful state of affairs to an end."

Respect councillor, Michael Lavalette, added: "Gaza is a 25 mile strip of land which is totally cut of from its neighbours by the Israeli apartheid wall.

"It is the biggest outdoor prison in the world. This is an illegal, collective punishment meated out to Palestinian civilians by one of the most powerful military regimes in the world. We have to speak out and demonstrate against this injustice."

Death

In Sikhi we believe that until we don’t follow the Gurus teachings and get Gurus grace we are not freed from the bondage of death and reincarnation. The messenger of death will take our souls and punish us for our sins. But if we follow Sikhi we can conquer death. Until our soul doesn’t merge with the supreme soul our soul will keep getting reincarnated.

To reach your True Home after you die, you must conquer death while you are still alive. Ang 21 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Maharaj is telling us to jaap naam, live purely and merge our soul with the supreme light while we are alive. This is the only way to beat death!

This Shabad is by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Siree Raag on ANG 19 SGGSJ

Siree Raag, First Mehla:

The empty body is dreadful, when the soul goes out from within.

The burning fire of life is extinguished, and the smoke of the breath no longer emerges.

The five relatives (the senses) weep and wail painfully, and waste away through the love of duality.

You fool: chant the Name of the Lord, and preserve your virtue.

Egotism and possessiveness are very enticing; egotistical pride has plundered everyone.

Those who have forgotten the Naam, the Name of the Lord, are attached to affairs of duality.

Attached to duality, they putrefy and die; they are filled with the fire of desire within.

Those who are protected by the Guru are saved; all others are cheated and plundered by deceitful worldly affairs.

Love dies, and affection vanishes. Hatred and alienation die.

Entanglements end, and egotism dies, along with attachment to Maya, possessiveness and anger.

Those who receive His Mercy obtain the True One. The Gurmukhs dwell forever in balanced restraint.

By true actions, the True Lord is met, and the Guru's Teachings are found.

Then, they are not subject to birth and death; they do not come and go in reincarnation.

O Nanak, they are respected at the Lord's Gate; they are robed in honor in the Court of the Lord.

Without the Shabad, this pollution is not washed off; through the cycle of death and rebirth, they waste away in misery. Ang 29 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

The spiritually blind do not even think of the Naam; they are all bound and gagged by the Messenger of Death. Ang 32 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Those who have not met the Primal Being, the True Guru, are most unfortunate, and are subject to death. Ang 40 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

This Shabad is by Guru Arjan Dev Ji in Siree Raag on ANG 43 SGGSJ

Siree Raag, Fifth Mehla:

For a brief moment, man is a guest of the Lord; he tries to resolve his affairs.


Engrossed in Maya and sexual desire, the fool does not understand.

He arises and departs with regret, and falls into the clutches of the Messenger of Death.

You are sitting on the collapsing riverbank-are you blind?

If you are so pre-destined, then act according to the Guru's Teachings.

The Reaper does not look upon any as unripe, half-ripe or fully ripe.

Picking up and wielding their sickles, the harvesters arrive.

When the landlord gives the order, they cut and measure the crop.

The first watch of the night passes away in worthless affairs, and the second passes in deep sleep.

In the third, they babble nonsense, and when the fourth watch comes, the day of death has arrived.

The thought of the One who bestows body and soul never enters the mind.

I am devoted to the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy; I sacrifice my soul to them.

Through them, understanding has entered my mind, and I have met the All-knowing Lord God.

Nanak sees the Lord always with him-the Lord, the Inner-knower, the Searcher of hearts.

The whole world is bound by death; without the Guru, death cannot be avoided. Ang 55 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

This Shabad is by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Siree Raag on ANG 55 SGGSJ

Siree Raag, First Mehla:

The fish did not notice the net in the deep and salty sea.

It was so clever and beautiful, but why was it so confident?

By its actions it was caught, and now death cannot be turned away from its head.

O Siblings of Destiny, just like this, see death hovering over your own heads!

People are just like this fish; unaware, the noose of death descends upon them.

The whole world is bound by death; without the Guru, death cannot be avoided.

Those who are attuned to Truth are saved; they renounce duality and corruption.

I am a sacrifice to those who are found to be Truthful in the True Court.

Think of the hawk preying on the birds, and the net in the hands of the hunter.

Those who are protected by the Guru are saved; the others are caught by the bait.

Without the Name, they are picked up and thrown away; they have no friends or companions.

God is said to be the Truest of the True; His Place is the Truest of the True.

Those who obey the True One-their minds abide in true meditation.

Those who become Gurmukh, and obtain spiritual wisdom-their minds and mouths are known to be pure.

Offer your most sincere prayers to the True Guru, so that He may unite you with your Best Friend.

Meeting your Best Friend, you shall find peace; the Messenger of Death shall take poison and die.

I dwell deep within the Name; the Name has come to dwell within my mind.

Without the Guru, there is only pitch darkness; without the Shabad, understanding is not obtained.

Through the Guru's Teachings, you shall be enlightened; remain absorbed in the Love of the True Lord.

Death does not go there; your light shall merge with the Light.

You are my Best Friend; You are All-knowing. You are the One who unites us with Yourself.

Through the Word of the Guru's Shabad, we praise You; You have no end or limitation.

Death does not reach that place, where the Infinite Word of the Guru's Shabad resounds.

By the Hukam of His Command, all are created. By His Command, actions are performed.

By His Command, all are subject to death; by His Command, they merge in Truth.

O Nanak, whatever pleases His Will comes to pass. Nothing is in the hands of these beings.

Kaljug the Dark Age

"The Dark Age of Kaal Yug is the dagger, and kings are the Butchers; righteous has sprouted wings and flown away. InThis dark night of falsehood, the moon of Truth is not visible Anywhere. I have searched in vain, and I am so confused. InThis darkness, I cannot see the way. In egotism, they cry out in pain. Says Nanak, how will they be saved?" Ang 145, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

This is how we will be saved:

The Dark Age of Kali Yuga is so hot; the Lord's Name is soothing and cool.
Remember, remember it in meditation, and obtain everlasting peace.
Your fear shall be dispelled, and your hopes shall be fulfilled.
By devotional worship and loving adoration, your soul shall be enlightened.
You shall go to that home, and live forever.
Says Nanak, the noose of death is cut away. Ang 288 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

In this Dark Age of Kali Yuga, no one is interested in good karma, or Dharmic faith.
This Dark Age was born in the house of evil.
O Nanak, without the Naam, the Name of the Lord, no one is liberated. Ang 160 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji


Salok, Second Mehla:
The beggar is known as an emperor, and the fool is known as a religious scholar.
The blind man is known as a seer; this is how people talk.
The trouble-maker is called a leader, and the liar is seated with honor.
O Nanak, the Gurmukhs know that this is justice in the Dark Age of Kali Yuga. Ang 1288 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji


In this Dark Age of Kali Yuga, there is only pitch darkness.
The lamp of the Guru's spiritual wisdom illuminates and enlightens. ||1||
The poison of corruption is spread out far and wide.
Only the virtuous are saved, chanting and meditating on the Lord. ||2||

Intoxicated with Maya, the people are asleep.
Meeting the Guru, doubt and fear are dispelled. ||3||
Says Nanak, meditate on the One Lord;
behold Him in each and every heart. Ang 210 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

here is a famine of Truth; falsehood prevails, and the blackness of the Dark Age of Kali Yuga has turned men into demons. Ang 486 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Those who act like tyrants are accepted and approved - recognize that this is the sign of the Dark Age of Kali Yuga. Ang 902 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Kuljug is full off:

Vices:

Our Bodies are filled with vices of lust, ego and anger. We see brothels, prostitutes, dirty shops etc Vice is all around us.

Aasaa, Fifth Mehla:

The four castes and social classes, and the preachers with the six Shaastras on their finger-tips,
the beautiful, the refined, the shapely and the wise - the five passions have enticed and beguiled them all. ||1||
Who has seized and conquered the five powerful fighters? Is there anyone strong enough?
He alone, who conquers and defeats the five demons, is perfect in this Dark Age of Kali Yuga. ||1||Pause||
They are so awesome and great; they cannot be controlled, and they do not run away. Their army is mighty and unyielding.
Says Nanak, that humble being who is under the protection of the Saadh Sangat, crushes those terrible demons. Ang 404 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Injustices, everyday around the world people are treated unfairly and unjustly.

Malpractices,

Mass murder;

Gambling;

Drug-taking;

Manipulation and distortion of the human body (e.g. Plastic implants, sex change, ear rings and tattoos);

Sexual perversion and promiscuity;

Rapes, pedophiles, homosexuals and unshameful lustful beings.

violence; People harming others out of hate and brutality.

Junk 'food' lifestyle; abusing the human body due to greed

mass killing and consumption of animals;

Salok, First Mehla:
In this Dark Age of Kali Yuga, people have faces like dogs; they eat rotting carcasses for food.
They bark and speak, telling only lies; all thought of righteousness has left them. Ang 1242 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Trampling and destruction of the earth's environment and ecology;

Administrative and institutional corruption;

Superstitions;

Idol and person-worship;

Materialism, People are too busy indulging in worldly affairs to worship the lord

Pauree:
Night and day, meditate in remembrance on the One who will be your Help and Support in the end.
This poison shall last for only a few days; everyone must depart, and leave it behind.
Who is our mother, father, son and daughter?
Household, wife, and other things shall not go along with you.
So gather that wealth which shall never perish,
so that you may go to your true home with honor.
In this Dark Age of Kali Yuga, those who sing the Kirtan of the Lord's Praises in the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy
- O Nanak, they do not have to endure reincarnation again. Ang 253 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

The All-powerful Guru is the Boat to carry us across in this Dark Age of Kali Yuga. Hearing the Word of His Shabad, we are transported into Samaadhi. Ang 1400 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Third Mehla:

In this Dark Age of Kali Yuga, the Kirtan of the Lord's Praise has appeared as a Light in the world.
How rare are those few Gurmukhs who swim across to the other side!
The Lord bestows His Glance of Grace;
O Nanak, the Gurmukh receives the jewel. Ang 145 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

The benefactor Lord listened to the cries (of humanity) and sent Guru Nanak to this world.
He washed His feet, eulogised God and got his Disciples drink the ambrosia of his feet.
He preached in this darkage (kaliyug) that, saragun (Brahm) and nirgun (Parbrahm) are the same and identical.
Dharma was now established on its four feet and all the four castes (through fraternal feeling) were converted into one caste (of humanity).
Equating the poor with the prince, he spread the etiquette of humbly touching the feet.
Inverse is the game of the beloved; he got the egotist high heads bowed to feet.
Baba Nanak rescued this dark age (kaliyug) and recited ‘satinam’ mantr for one and all.
Guru Nanak came to redeem the kaliyug. Bhai Gurdas Vaaran

Point to note Bhai Gurdas Ji is chatting about Charan amrit

Sahibzada Glasses

The Sahibzadas and Sri Guru Gobind Singh jis mum were kept in a cold tower in the freezing winter without food and water. The Government declared that anyone caught showing sympathy to the prisoners would be killed along with their whole family. But this didn't deter a compassionate follower of the Guru.

These glasses were used by Guru Gobind Singh Jis youngest two sons, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji.

When the two Sahibzade were imprisoned in the Thanda Burj (Cold tower), by the Moghuls, a man called Baba Mothi Mehra provided milk for them, for 4 days. However, he was caught by the Moghuls, and he and his family were tortured to death as punishment.

They are at: Gurdwara Shaheed Moti Ram Jee - a few hundred yards away from Sirhind/Fatehgarh Sahib.

Disarm a Gunman

A disease present within all!

Our mind is filled with dark energies that lead us to Sin; these are created by god as part of his game. The 5 vices, maya and evil instincts work together to keep us separated from God. All these dark energies are the disease and every Human is affected by this disease. The only cure is to jaap the naam of Waheguru, this will cure us from this disease. To eradiate our dark energies we must do the following:

Nitnem

Seva

Sangat

Kirtan

Read as much Gurbani as possible

Simran

Ardass to ask god for help

Exercise to keep the body and soul in tune.

Siree Raag, First Mehla:

Forgetting the Beloved, even for a moment, the mind is afflicted with terrible diseases.

How can honor be attained in His Court, if the Lord does not dwell in the mind?

Meeting with the Guru, peace is found. The fire is extinguished in His Glorious Praises. ||1||

O mind, enshrine the Praises of the Lord, day and night.

One who does not forget the Naam, for a moment or even an instant-how rare is such a person in this world! ||1||Pause||

When one's light merges into the Light, and one's intuitive consciousness is joined with the Intuitive Consciousness,
then one's cruel and violent instincts and egotism depart, and skepticism and sorrow are taken away.
The Lord abides within the mind of the Gurmukh, who merges in the Lord's Union, through the Guru. ||2||

If I surrender my body like a bride, the Enjoyer will enjoy me.
Do not make love with one who is just a passing show.
The Gurmukh is ravished like the pure and happy bride on the Bed of God, her Husband. ||3||
The Gurmukh puts out the four fires, with the Water of the Lord's Name.
The lotus blossoms deep within the heart, and filled with Ambrosial Nectar, one is satisfied.
O Nanak, make the True Guru your friend; going to His Court, you shall obtain the True Lord. ||4||20|| Ang 21 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Maajh, Fifth Mehla:

Meditating on the Naam, the Name of the Lord, my heart is filled with peace.
By His Grace, His devotees become famous and acclaimed.
Joining the Society of the Saints, I chant the Name of the Lord, Har, Har; the disease of laziness has disappeared. ||1||

O Siblings of Destiny, the nine treasures are found in the Home of the Lord;
He comes to meet those who deserve it by their past actions.
The Perfect Transcendent Lord is spiritual wisdom and meditation. God is All-powerful to do all things. ||2||
n an instant, He establishes and disestablishes.
He Himself is the One, and He Himself is the Many.

Filth does not stick to the Giver, the Life of the World. Gazing upon the Blessed Vision of His Darshan, the pain of separation departs. ||3||
Holding on to the hem of His Robe, the entire Universe is saved.
He Himself causes His Name to be chanted.
The Boat of the Guru is found by His Grace; O Nanak, such blessed destiny is pre-ordained. ||4||41||48|| Ang 108 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

In the Above shabad maharaj tells us that only the Naam can bring peace and tranquility. The dark energies vanish and the devotee is filled with soothing peace. The devotee is not lazy and now awakes enjoying their lord in the ambrosial hours of the morning (amrit vela)

The self-willed manmukhs are sick and diseased in the world.
They have forgotten the Giver of peace, the Unfathomable, the Infinite.
These miserable people wander endlessly, crying out in pain; without the Guru, they find no peace. ||6|| Ang 118 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

The people who do not listen to the hukam of Guru Ji are not granted peace and union with the lord, in kaljug Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the true Guru who can only be met with Pre-ordained destiny. The Hukam of the Guru is the key to union with the lord; the people who refuse to obey the Guru and listen to the dark energies of the mind are doomed.

Pain, disease and sorrow come when one forgets the Naam, the Name of the Lord. Ang 186 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

The Lord, Har, Har, and the Name of the Lord, Har, Har, is the panacea, the medicine for the world. The Lord, and the Name of the Lord, Har, Har, bring peace and tranquility. Ang 169 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

O Nanak, the Lord's Name is the antidote to Maya; the Gurmukh obtains it. Ang 513 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Maya is the illusion that keeps one attached to tempory pleasures and worldly affairs. Maya keeps one away from the truth, the only thing that are true in this world in the lord and his name, everything else will perish. But reading Gurbani helps one escape the traps of Maya and keeps you focused on the truth.

Those who forget the Naam, the Name of the Lord, and become attached to greed and fraud,
are engrossed in the entanglements of Maya the enticer, with the fire of desire within them. Ang 1413 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Sacked porter to appeal

A hospital porter from Salford, sacked after a row over a prayer room crucifix, is to appeal.

Joseph Protano, 54, a Roman Catholic, worked at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital for two years where he regularly attended the hospital prayer room.

Mr Protano, from Salford, Greater Manchester, became annoyed when Muslim visitors repeatedly covered up statues of the Virgin Mary and the crucifix while they prayed.

On one occasion there was a "confrontation" between Mr Protano and three Muslim visitors after the porter came into the prayer room to uncover the statues.

The police were called to the incident on November 30 last year, but have decided not to take further action.

However, Mr Protano's employers, Medirest, who supply staff to the hospital, suspended him on December 4 and he was sacked last week on the grounds of gross misconduct.

His case has now been taken up by his union, Unison, who have launched an internal appeal to his employers on his behalf on the grounds of racial and religious discrimination.

Mr Protano protests that he respects all religions but as a Christian, covering up statues and crucifixes offends him.

No date has yet been set for the appeal and Mr Protano said he is not allowed to comment before the hearing.

A spokeswoman for Medirest said: "I can confirm we have undertaken a detailed and robust disciplinary process with a porter working at Manchester Royal Children's Hospital. It is not our company policy to make comment on individual cases."

Frontline Comments:

Its a prayer room for all, not just muslims so what right do they have to offend other religions in the room. I rate the man for making a stand, he should take this to the top!

Bloodied trader fights off robbers

DEFIANT: Attack victim Mohammed Aslam, left, and shop owner Khurram Sultan

A SHOPWORKER was left covered in blood after being beaten with metal bars as he fought off masked robbers.

Mohammad Aslam had blood oozing from from his head and nose after the attack at K's Convenience, Bold Street, Accrington.

And he was forced to bang on a neighbour's door for help after his actions forced the robbers to flee.

Mr Aslam said: "I was scared and shocked and I thought What can I do?' "Then I picked up a chair and ran towards them to try to fight them off.

"What else could I do? You can't hand over the money, can you?.

"We work hard all day to make that money."Mr Aslam, who moved to Accrington from Pakistan two months ago, was standing behind the counter when the three men burst in, at 8.45pm on Monday.

The 44-year-old has worked in the shop since Khurram Sultan, 27, of the Queensgate area of Burnley, bought it a month ago.

Both men have vowed not to be beaten by the robbers and said they will continue to work in the shop as usual.

The attack comes just as Mr Sultan was due to install CCTV into his new shop premises.

Two of the robbers were carrying 1.5ft metal bars the other a baseball bat, but despite the threats of violence Mr Aslam refused to open the till.

As Mr Aslam ran towards them, one of the hit him across the head with a metal bar, forcing him to drop the chair as he tried to defend himself against another blow.

The masked men ran out of the shop and down Bold Street away from their dark coloured getaway car, which had been parked outside the shop.

Mr Aslam was then attacked again as he banged on the neighbour's house for help. He suffered head injuries and was treated at Royal Blackburn Hospital.

He said: "They ran into the shop and said they wanted money from the till. I locked it and I saw the chair in the corner and picked it up.

"They parked the car in front of the shop but they ran down the street.

"I ran outside to get help from the next door neighbour to get help, then they got into their car.

"It was so quick, it was all over in about five minutes or so."

Yvonne Ross, 39, of Bold Street, Accrington, who opened her door to help Mr Aslam said blood was running down his face and nose.

She said: "There was this banging on the door - it was louder than when coppers knock at the door.

"My daughter was upstairs and said there was a riot going on outside "She told me not to open the door.

"He kept banging at the door and my son Anthony Short was behind me when I opened it.

"The man was bleeding from the head and the nose.

"He doesn't speak very good English and didn't know what to do.

"I called the police for him.

"There was blood everywhere."

Mr Sultan, who bought the shop after selling a petrol station he owned in Leeds Road, Nelson, said: "Last Saturday there was a car, similar to the one used in the attack parked outside the shop.

"There were four Asian men in it.

"What can you do? Life has to go on and you carry on.

"We will just have to take extra care and have better protection."

Frontline comments:

If i owned a shop i would keep a baseball bat and knife behind the counter, people rely on the police. But what they dont understand is the police come after the incident and you might not even live to give a statement. This man is lucky he didnt die from the bar shots to his head!