⟵ Back to Articles

You Could Have Heard a Pin Drop

1984

Saturday
,
6
June
2015

You Could Have Heard a Pin Drop

1984

Saturday
,
6
June
2015
Death
History
Remember 1984
June 1984
⟵ Back to articles

You Could Have Heard a Pin Drop

1984

Saturday
,
6
June
2015

Date: June 10th or 11th, 1984 – General Brar via his ADC (Aide de Camp) requested to meet a few of the old Sikh and Hindu families in Amritsar. Grudgingly, my parents agreed to host the dinner. The General (wearing his decorated uniform) along with 5-7 Indian Army Officers entered our home in a celebratory mood, as if they were to going to attend a victory lap. But, what transpired was very different. There were approximately 40 civilians from various families also present.

General Brar addressed my Mother: Madam, if we had not attacked the Harmindar Sahib complex immediately the Pakistani Army would be sitting in this very house.

Mother: General, we have had 2 wars with Pakistan and not one person from the Pakistani Army has dared to step foot in my house. It is shameful for an Indian Army General to be making statements like you just did. Is this the confidence you are instilling in the Indian civilian population? You could have heard a pin drop… General Brar: During my time at the Indian Army, I have fought all the major wars we have had.

Mother: General, it seems like you actually enjoy the business of war.

You could have heard a pin drop…

General Brar: I got this medal for the first Pakistani War; this one for the Burmese attack, this one for the 2nd Pakistani war…

Mother: General, looks like you are trigger happy.

You could have heard a pin drop…

General Brar: Our intelligence sources told us that a Pakistani attack at the border was imminent. Therefore, we had to use tanks to root out the terrorists hiding in the Akal Takht Sahib quickly. We did not fire upon the Harmandir Sahib due to its sanctity.

Mother: General, what if the terrorists were hiding in Harminder Sahib. Would you have used tanks or waited due to the sanctity and let Pakistan attack at the border?

You could have heard a pin drop….

General Brar: Our soldiers maintained the sanctity of the Darbar Sahib Complex and went in bare feet.

Mother: I knitted woolen socks during the Pakistani war for your jawans (soldiers). The same jawans that went in with their boots on. We already know that!

You could have heard a pin drop….

Revised:

This Content has been made available for educational purposes only. SikhRI does not make any representation concerning the completeness of the Content. This Content is not intended to substitute research or a deeper understanding of the topic. SikhRI encourages readers to read multiple authors to gain a complete understanding of the topic.

The Sikh Research Institute recognizes its responsibility to correct any factual, minor, or significant errors promptly. Please contact us via email to request a correction if you have identified one.

Suggest a correction →
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.

Written By

Sr. Analyst at Mach Advisors, LLC

Mandhir Singh has over 20 years of experience in Asset Management in the US. 

View profile ⟶

Share on Social Media

Latest Articles

Tuesday
,
21
January
2025

IkOankar

This essay explores the profound spiritual journey inspired by IkOankar in Sikhi. It delves into the interconnectedness of existence, emphasizing unity, harmony, and the dissolution of ego through the teachings of the Wisdom-Guru.

This essay explores the profound spiritual journey inspired by IkOankar in Sikhi. It delves into the interconnectedness of existence, emphasizing unity, harmony, and the dissolution of ego through the teachings of the Wisdom-Guru.

READ More ⟶
Wednesday
,
1
January
2025

Patwant Singh

Patwant Singh (28 March 1925 – 8 August 2009) was an influential Sikh writer, historian, architectural and design critic, philanthropist, and public intellectual known for his incisive commentary on Sikhi, Indian politics, and global affairs.

Patwant Singh (28 March 1925 – 8 August 2009) was an influential Sikh writer, historian, architectural and design critic, philanthropist, and public intellectual known for his incisive commentary on Sikhi, Indian politics, and global affairs.

READ More ⟶
Tuesday
,
31
December
2024

Ghallugharas & Raj

This essay explores the origin of Ghallughara. Why were they orchestrated, and who enacted them? How are they intrinsically linked to the Raj?

This essay explores the origin of Ghallughara. Why were they orchestrated, and who enacted them? How are they intrinsically linked to the Raj?

READ More ⟶

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Stay informed with our weekly updates, important events and more at SikhRI.

Thank you! Your submission has been received.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.