19 January 1922 In the early decades of the last century, a new consciousness arose among Sikhs regarding the management of gurdwaras. This gave birth to the Akali Movement. The courage, steadfastness, and commitment displayed by this movement during the Gurdwara Reform Movement compelled the entire Indian subcontinent to admire the Akalis. By 1920–21, the management of Darbar Sahib, Akal Takht, and several other holy shrines had come under Akali control. Around this time, the Shiromani Committee had also come into existence. Sardar Sundar Singh Ramgarhia—appointed by the British government as in-charge of Darbar Sahib, Akal Takht Sahib, Baba Atal, and Tarn Taran Sahib, and also serving as acting president of the Shiromani Committee—accepted the Akali leadership and joined the reform process. Although the Shiromani Committee was running the management, the treasury keys remained with the British administrator. This deeply bothered the Akalis, who felt that despite their struggle, the Guru’s house was not yet fully free from British control. On 29 October 1921, the Executive Committee of the Shiromani Committee passed a resolution instructing Bhai Sundar Singh Ramgarhia to hand over the keys of the treasury to the Committee president. The Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar immediately learned about this. On 7 November 1921, he sent Lala Amar Nath (EAC) with police to collect the keys. They took a bunch of 53 keys and issued a receipt. When the Akalis came to know of this, they were outraged. The DC’s provocative statement added fuel to the fire. He declared: “The Shiromani Committee does not represent the Sikhs. The government was transferring the management of Darbar Sahib through civil proceedings, but the Committee delayed taking the keys. Therefore, the government was compelled to take custody of them.” Newspapers began publishing strong criticism: Panth Sewak wrote: “A foreign government has no right to interfere in gurdwara affairs.” Akali newspaper wrote: “On one hand they have seized the keys of Harmandir, and on the other hand, the bureaucracy is resorting to shameless lies.” Bande Mataram mocked the government: “It is like a thief applying in court that he stole someone’s property, and asking the court to order the owner to take it back.” 11 November — Massive Gathering in Amritsar According to intelligence reports, large groups from different regions of Punjab gathered. A protest meeting was held in Akali Bagh where Sardar Khadur Singh and Jaswant Singh gave powerful speeches. The same day, a resolution at Akal Takht declared that the newly appointed government manager, Honorary Captain Bahadur Singh, would not be allowed to interfere in any matter of Darbar Sahib. 12 November — Lahore Meeting Government actions were condemned, and it was decided that on Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth anniversary (15 November), no illumination would be done at Darbar Sahib or other shrines — as a symbol of protest. Intelligence reports revealed that Akal Takht had instructed Sikh soldiers to resign from service, and some had already obeyed. Three railway soldiers resigned immediately. 26 November 1921 — Ajnala Events The DC held a government gathering in Ajnala. The Shiromani Committee announced its own parallel diwan near the same site, declaring that the truth about the keys issue and government conspiracies would be exposed. Meanwhile, on 24 November, Punjab Government imposed the Sedition Meetings Act in Lahore, Amritsar, and Sheikhupura — prohibiting public meetings. On 26 November, at the government gathering, the DC spoke in support of the government. Sikh leaders—S. Dan Singh Vichhoa, S. Jaswant Singh, S. Teja Singh Samundri, S. Harnam Singh, and Pandit Dina Nath—requested permission to speak, but were denied. They then set up a diwan near the "Ralian Wala Khuh" by placing the Guru Granth Sahib and began the congregation. The DC had them arrested under charges of anti-government speeches. Akal Takht Responds When news reached Amritsar, Baba Khadar Singh (President) S. Bahadur Mehtab Singh (Secretary) along with others, left for Ajnala. They informed the DC: “We will come to Ajnala and address the gathering — arrest us too.” A large diwan was held. About 19 speakers had already spoken when the police arrested Baba Khadar Singh and other leaders. These arrests intensified the movement even further. The Shiromani Committee issued a directive: “Hold religious diwans everywhere and explain the truth behind the keys issue.” Sikhs were also advised to observe a strike on the arrival of the Prince of Wales and not participate in any ceremonies. The boycott was so strong that the government had to cancel the Prince of Wales’ visit to Amritsar. After this, several other Akali leaders — Master Tara Singh, Dr. Gurbaksh Singh, Bhai Kartar Singh Jhabbar — were also arrested. They refused to defend themselves in court, rejecting the legitimacy of British courts. The government sentenced them severely and sent them to jail. Growing Movement and Government Panic Intelligence reports stated: “The movement is spreading rapidly across Sikh districts of Punjab, especially rural areas. Its influence is visible within the army as well.” Unable to suppress it forcibly, the government tried seeking help from moderate Sikh leaders. But on 6 December 1921, the Shiromani Committee passed a resolution: “No Sikh should agree to any settlement regarding the keys until all arrested Sikhs are released unconditionally.” Moderate leaders could not go against Sikh sentiments. The government’s plan failed. Gandhi Ji’s Remark Gandhi commented: “If the government releases the Sikhs, it will be ridiculed and the Sikhs’ strength will double. If it does not release them, their strength will increase tenfold. The government must choose which outcome is better for itself.”
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