Toofan Singh

Jugraj Singh (1971 – 8 April 1990), better known as Toofan Singh, was a militant member of the 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]

Toofan Singh
Born
Jugraj Singh

1971
Died8 April 1990
village near Hargobindpur
Cause of deathkilled in an encounter with Punjab police and Indian military forces
OrganizationKhalistan Liberation Force
Known forKhalistani militancy

Biography

Born in 1971 as Jugraj Singh in Cheema village of Punjab. He had 5 sisters and was the only son of his parents. In 1984, he was emotionally affected by the news of Operation Blue Star. He begin to believe that he has to do something about the alleged atrocities against Sikhs. 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 Jugraj that he should avoid getting into these fights since he is the only son of his family, however, Jugraj 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.[6]

He was noted to have provided protection to the villagers from attacks and extortion by criminal gangs, terrorist groups and the police.[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 considered 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. Archived from the original on 21 January 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  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. 24 August 2017. Archived from the original on 28 January 2019. Retrieved 27 January 2019.
  6. "कौन था तूफान सिंह, जिस पर बनी पंजाबी फिल्म को सेंसर ने किया बैन". 24 August 2017. Archived from the original on 28 January 2019. Retrieved 27 January 2019.
  7. "Caught in a Trap". Economic and Political Weekly. 25 (24/25): 1292–1293. 1990. ISSN 0012-9976. JSTOR 4396390.
  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. Archived from the original on 2019-03-28. Retrieved 2019-03-19.{{cite web}}: 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. Archived from the original on 28 January 2019. Retrieved 27 January 2019.
  11. Ethnic Rural And Gender Issues In Contemporary North-West. Anamika Pub & Distributors. 2005. p. 78. ISBN 9788179750209. Archived from the original on 2023-04-11. Retrieved 2020-04-29.
  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. Archived from the original on 21 January 2019. Retrieved 27 January 2019.
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