Toofan Singh

Jugraj Singh, better known as Toofan Singh, was a activist of Khalistan Liberation Force who was born in 1971 in Sri Hargobindpur, Punjab, India.[1][2][3] According to police records, he was allegedly involved in 150 killings. He was killed in an encounter on April 8, 1990.[4]

Biography

Born in 1971 as Jugraj Singh in Cheema village of Punjab. He had 5 sisters and was the only son to his parents. Gurbaaj Singh, who was 13 years of age when Indira Gandhi ordered the army attack on Sri Harmandir Sahib in 1984. The destruction of Sri Akal Takht Sahib left Gurbaaj Singh (Toofan) shocked and hurt and his martial spirit awakened. He decided to fight back against injustices carried out against Sikhs in their own country and he dedicated his life to the Sikh freedom. He was emotionally affected by the news of Operation Blue Star. In his younger days he spent some days in the Nabha Jail. In the jail he met with Manbir Singh Chaheru and Baldev Singh. Baldev Singh told Gujraj that he should avoid getting into these fights since he is the only son to his family, however, Gujraj would not change his path.[5]

In 1987, he came into contact with Avtar Singh Brahma the chief of Khalistan Liberation Force and he would fight under him. Toofan Singh's name first appeared in the complaint registered to Punjab Armed Police Headquarters concerning the murder of police officer Govindram as the major prepatrator. On one hand Singh had support from Sikh society, and on other hand police forces would continue trailing him. He was noted to have provided protection to the villagers from attacks and extortion by criminal gangs, terrorist groups and the police.[6]

In 1987, he came into contact with Avtar Singh Brahma the chief of Khalistan Liberation Force and he would fight under him. Toofan Singh's name first appeared in the complaint registered to Punjab Armed Police Headquarters concerning the murder of police officer Govindram as the major prepatrator. On one hand Singh had support from Sikh society, and on other hand police forces would continue trailing him.[7]

On 8 April 1990, Singh was killed in a village near Hargobindpur, after police and BSF surrounded his home. According to police records, he was allegedly involved in 150 killings.[8]

On the day of his cremation it is estimated that almost four lakh (400,000) people were gathered to pay him the last tribute.[9][10][5]

Legacy

Singh was glorified as a martyr,[11] and poets sang in praise of his bravery.[12]

In 2017, a biographical film based on the life of Singh was internationally released, titled Toofan Singh. The Indian Central Board of Film Certification banned the movie.[13]

References
  1. "Censor declines to clear 'Toofan Singh'". www.hindustantimes.com. 23 July 2016.
  2. Indian Defence Review, p. 7, Lancer International, 1990
  3. Religion, Identity, and Nationhood: The Sikh Militant Movement, p. 228, Paramjit S. Judge, Rawat Publications, 2005
  4. Violence and Terrorism in South Asia: Chronology and Profiles, 1971-2004, Moonis Ahmar, Bureau of Composition, Compilation & Translation Press, University of Karachi, 2005, p.164
  5. "कौन था तूफान सिंह, जिस पर बनी पंजाबी फिल्म को सेंसर ने किया बैन". aajtak.intoday.in.
  6. "Caught in a Trap". Economic and Political Weekly. 25 (24/25): 1292–1293. 1990. ISSN 0012-9976. JSTOR 4396390.
  7. https://aajtak.intoday.in/story/prasoon-joshi-censor-board-ban-panjabi-film-toofan-singh-full-story-tmov-1-948484.html
  8. Indian Defence Review. Lancer International. 1990. p. 8. Jugraj was alleged to have committed about 150 killings
  9. s, Kanwar; June 30, hu; June 30, 1990 ISSUE DATE; October 10, 1990UPDATED; Ist, 2013 18:38. "New Punjab governor assumes charge amidst chaos". India Today. Retrieved 2019-03-19.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  10. "इसके अंतिम यात्रा में जुटे थे चार लाख से ज्यादा लाेग, धोखे से हुआ था एनकाउंटर". Dainik Bhaskar. 16 July 2016.
  11. Ethnic Rural And Gender Issues In Contemporary North-West. Anamika Pub & Distributors. 2005. p. 78.
  12. Paramjit S. Judge. Religion, Identity, and Nationhood: The Sikh Militant Movement. Rawat Publications. p. 228.
  13. Sharma, Dishya (24 August 2017). "Prasoon Joshi bans Toofan Singh: Here's all you need to know about the controversial Punjabi movie". International Business Times, India Edition.
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