Bhai Randhir Singh da Jatha/Akhand Kirtani Jatha cont'd

The Bhai Randhir Singh da Jatha experienced a split in their ranks when the late Baba Thakur Singh of 'Baba Kartar Singh Samparda', and Baba Ram Singh, 'Jathedar' of the Akhand Kirtani Jatha had joined forces. This new group was termed the 'Akhand Kirtani Jatha Prabandhki Panchayan' and was headed by the late Joginder Singh Talwara.

Joginder Singh Talwara
The late head of the Akhand Kirtani Jatha Prabandhki Panchayan (left)

Late January 2005 saw the Bhai Randhir Singh da Jatha splitting for yet another time (see here). Baba Baldev Singh replaced Baba Ram Singh as Jathedar, but the opposing faction had earlier sacked Baba Baldev Singh as Deputy Jathedar for 'anti-Jatha' activities. Baba Baldev Singh has been recognised as the current Jathedar of the Akhand Kirtani Jatha by the S.G.P.C. and the Akal Takht in a ceremony that witnessed him receiving a 'Siropa' (robe of honour).

In conclusion, it can be said that the A.K.J. can be considered as being modern Sikh fundamentalists who, in their own way, are doing their best to promote their own particular brand of Sikhism – a brand which they consider to be the only true form that should be allowed to be propagated. Many A.K.J. Sikhs today, even though they may object to the term ‘fanatic’, can be considered as Sikh religious fanatics. Prime examples from their ranks have already been mentioned above, such as Talwinder Singh Parmar and Fauja Singh that illustrate their fanatical attitude.

Sukhdev Singh 'Babbar'
Inspired hy Fauja Singh, and later killed in August 1992 (right),
Sukhdev Singh 'Babbar' was the highly revered head of the Babbar Khalsa