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Message: <blockquote data-quote="dalvinder45" data-source="post: 225960" data-attributes="member: 26009">9. Missing 1984 Sikh Manuscripts in QuestionThe Library built over several decades drew upon almost five centuries’ Sikh literature from various sources containing much of the most precious heritage of the Sikh community. Among its contents were priceless handwritten birs of Guru Granth; recensions of Dasam Granth, hukamnamas and early Sikh literature dating back from 16th century to many gifts deposited by the Sikh sovereign Maharajah Ranjit Singh and other Sikh princes during the 19th century. How the Library, alleged to have survived three days of intensive fighting, then caught fire with contentious claims that its contents were taken away by the army -some of these were returned by the government of India while much is yet unaccounted for, has led to almost continuous controversy since June 1984. The loss of much of Sikh Reference Library is now part of painful memory of India’s callous disregard for a community’s historical heritage with no resolution as to what happened to its contents.Forthy years have passed since the Sikh Manuscripts were taken away from Sikh Reference Library, Harmandir Sahib, but their where about still remains a matter of discussion. The Defence Minister of India Shri A.K. Anthony denied in Parliament that the Army possessed any manuscripts or article taken away from Harmandar Sahib during Operation Blue Star in 1984. Countering the claim, SGPC President Sardar Avtar Singh Makkar condemned the statement as a lie and demanded the resignation of the Defence Minister.Following questions emerge out of this controversy.1. Did Army collect and take away the documents and articles?2. Did it return these documents and articles to SGPC?3. If SGPC did not receive these documents and articles, then where are these now?4. If SGPC received these documents and articles; why these are not with them?5. If documents and articles are not with them; who is responsible for taking these away?As these questions are very important for Sikhs, Army as well as the CBI, it is very important to know the facts.Immediately after Operation Blue Star, the rumors were spread that the manuscripts, books, and articles in Sikh Reference Library were all destroyed in fire in the evening of 6 June 1984 and the ashes were handed over to S. Joginder Singh Duggal in-charge Sikh Reference Library on 9 June 1984 as a token. However, later some Sikhs posted in Delhi leaked the information that ‘Gurbani de gutke Dilli vich rul rah han.’ A CID inspector had informed that he had brought handwritten gutka from the boxes kept on the ground in Delhi. Pilferage of these materials had already started at Delhi. Such like information was received by Dr. Tarlochan Singh and Prof Labh Singh of Sikh Missionary College. S Kirpal Singh Jathedar Akal Takhat brought this matter to S. Boota Singh, the then Cabinet Minister who then confirmed that 125 bags of reference books, manuscripts, and articles of Sikh Reference Library had been taken by the Army.Later a news item appeared in Daily Ajit, Punjabi, Jalandhar dated 11 June 2000 regarding the missing manuscripts, reference books, and other material. Ranjit Singh Nanda, a CBI inspector during OP Blue Star days and involved in collecting and scrutinizing the Sikh Reference Material gave the following statement to Daily Ajit:‘After about two weeks of the Operation Blue Star in June 1984, the Army took in trucks, Sikh Reference Books, and archival material to Youth Hostel: the CBI HQs during the OP. Blue Star, in 190 big bags. Every bag had a black ink number written systematically on it. After one month, a CBI team consisting of five members prepared a list of 160-65 bags after scrutinizing and the list was prepared by three typists made available to CBI teams. The remaining 30-35 bags were yet to be scrutinized. In view of the Sikh Sammelan called by the Five Singh Sahiban, the entire material was shifted to an unknown destination. Religious books were placed in 12 trunks, and other books and materials were taken in bags as such. Some of the Manuscripts (Handwritten) pothis and Hukamnamas which he had collected out of these were later returned to SGPC after his retirement.While scrutinizing, a handwritten manuscript of Sri Guru Granth Sahib also fell on the ground along with other books from a bag. This manuscript had bullet marks on it. As this was objected to, the other bags were emptied on tables. Every manuscript was studied and analyzed and was again filled in bags after making lists. Non-destruction of classified mail to Sant Bhindranwalla and other leaders was a matter of surprise. (Ed. They searched each mail probably they were in search of a letter written by Indira Gandhi to Sant Bhindranwalla; as stated by him later). These bags contained not only the Sikh reference Books but also material collected from all offices of SGPC. These included numerous Handwritten manuscripts of SGGS and Hukamnamas (Ed. 512 SGGS Ms and 44 Hukamnamas according to a later account), Handwritten Ms; letters written by and to Sant Bhindranwalla and Jagjit Singh Chauhan and other leaders, about 250 to 300 passports, Registers and Dak of SGPC, and books related to Sikh History and Culture. It also included Gold Memento presented to S. Gurcharan Singh Tohra on 400-year celebrations. This five-member committee included DSP Shabdal Singh of Punjab Police. Making best of the situation collected SGGS beed, an edited SGGS, 4-5 other books, and Hukamnamas of Guru Gobind Singh period. The gold memento presented to S. Gurcharan Singh Tohra was also brought. All these items were handed over to the then Secretary SGPC, S.Manjit Singh Calcutta the fact not known to anyone as yet. Record in the register of Sikh Reference Library reveals that the Hukamnamas were returned in 1991 and the entry is from serial 6222-6266. 44 Hukamnamas had gone but only 28 were returned which the inspector himself has returned. These Hukamnamas included a Hukamnamas of Mata Sundri of 1st Vaisakh1777 (1720 AD). The 18 files containing lists of contents of Hukamnama, Nishans and SGGS beeds was stated to be available now in Sikh Reference Library while 17 other files have not been returned by CBI.Ranjit Singh Nanda was the CBI inspector detailed with inquiry committee inquiring the death of DIG AS Atwal in 1983 and during OP Blue Star his field of work was Sri Harmandir Sahib. His office was in Youth Hostel. He denied that the Sikh reference Library was burnt on 6 June 84 in Op Blue Star as this material was received by them on 18-19 June 84. The remaining material was taken by Army to Delhi. He told that a letter was written by Smt. Gandhi, the then PM to Sant Bhindranwalla was being searched by the CBI.DSP Shabdal Singh of Model Town Jalandhar, who was with Ranjit Singh Nanda too confirmed the above facts through his statement which appeared in Ajit, 12 June 2000 with certain modifications. S. Sabdal Singh was posted at PAP Bahadurgarh but was called on duty before the CBI on 5 June 1984, during the attack on Harmandar Sahib. After two weeks of taking charge, he went to Rajasansi airport in a day between 18-20 June 1984 in the morning, on a call of duty. At that time, Director CBI Bawa Harkishan Singh was also present. Military planes were unloading bags containing religious books, handwritten Guru Granth Sahib, and other articles in 190 bags. The Army authorities told them that these items were taken from Darbar Sahib to Delhi and are now being returned to CBI for further investigations. These items were then shifted to Youth Hostel (CBI HQs in OP Blue Star in Amritsar) from the airport. (Not directly from Darbar Sahib as was stated by Sardar Nanda.) These were scrutinized by the team including Nanda, DIG Rajinder Kumar, and himself among others.After scrutinizing the CBI returned 28 Hukamnamas out of the total 44 Hukumnamas (earlier entered at Sr. Nos 6222 to 6266) in 1991 through S. Ranjit Singh Nanda to S. Manjit Singh Calcutta, the then Secretary SGPC and these have been entered at Serial No 7034 to 7062 of 1991 in the new register of the library. Among the Hukumnama not yet received, there was one Hukumnama of Mata Sundri of Vaisakh Samvat 1777 (1720 AD). From the 35 files, only 18 files were received while 17 were taken by CBI and not returned yet. None other manuscript or rare book or valuable article was returned except the gold-framed memento presented to S. Gurcharan Singh Tohra. Even though these documents and memento were returned to S Manjit Singh Calcutta and this news appeared in the Ajit; the Sikh world in general and SGPC, in particular, chose to be silent on the remaining items for reasons unknown.Later, on the change of Govt. the demand for the return of manuscripts and other articles became vociferous. In reply to a letter dated 27th March 2000, Sh. George Fernandez, the then Defence Minister confirmed to SGPC that all these manuscripts, Hukumnamas, and other documents and materials have been handed over to CBI. CBI however, denied this till this was brought out in the open by S. Nanda and Shabdal Singh. It was only at the receipt of a letter from George Fernandez that the then SGPC Secretary S. Gurbachan Singh Bachan approached the then Chief Minister of Punjab S. Badal for the return of these documents. In 1984 S. Davinder Singh Duggal was the in-charge of Sikh Reference Library who later wrote that the blocks made of silver for these Hukamnamas are also lost. Mr. Nanda however denied having seen any silver blocks.’ A duly marked book ‘Arms and the Man by GB Shaw’, (M-3197) S. Bag 84 (7) found in old books on sale in Delhi however has a different story to tell. It has the name Parween Nanda written on it which needs to be investigated for further facts.As the balance documents were not being received back a CWP no 11301/2003 was filed in Punjab & Haryana High Court by S. Satnam Singh s/o Mela Singh. In reply VK Gupta Under Secretary Ministry of Home Affairs, GOI, and BS Kanwar SP CBI/SICII New Delhi filed replies.In his reply Mr. VK Gupta stated:1. Army authorities in an investigation of case No. RC 2/84-SIU.III/SIC.II/CBI/New Delhi had handed over 4000 manuscripts to CBI. These documents were recovered by them from the Golden Temple complex, Amritsar during the Operation Blue Star. All the treasures and artifacts as also all other historical and non-historical items recovered from Golden Temple were either handed over to SGPC and its functionaries or the Govt. treasures or to the CBI as mentioned above.2. Items handed over to SGPC and its functionariesi) A board of officers was convened on 13 June 1984 by Headquarters 11 Corps in the Golden Temple. The board carried out a stock-taking of items found in Shri Akal Takhat in the presence of State Government Representatives, Deputy Commissioner’s Representatives as also in the presence of Secretary and Assistant Secretary of SGPC.ii) The board found 25 historical items and 43 non-historical items. These items were put in boxes and sealed. The boxes were then locked in the room adjoining Shri Akal Takhat. Both the board and the representatives of SGPC then sealed the room with their respective seals.iii) The board had also found certain other items in Kotha Sahib and Bambi Wala. The major items found were left untouched as per instructions of Head Granthi Giani Pritam Singh- However, some minor items were shifted to a room adjacent to Shri Akal Takhat where, other historical/non-historical items were locked and sealed for security purposes.iv) Subsequently, another board was ordered to hand over the 52 historical items on 13 September 1984 to Shri Mohan Singh, Curator, Museum, Punjab Govt. These were handed over by the board in the presence of SGPC representatives as also representatives from Punjab Govt./ Deputy Commissioners Office.v) A board was ordered to ascertain the disposal of the non-historical items. As per information available, these were disposed of by Shri Bhagwan Singh (Mukh Granthi), who was then performing the duties of Sewadar Shri Akal Takhat. Most of these items being broken or damaged were either shifted to a store at the time of repairs of Shri Akal Takhat or disposed of off since it was not found appropriate to keep these non-historical items in Shri Akal Takhat as per the traditional practice.B. Items Handed over to the Govt. Treasures in 1984Valuables, as mentioned below recovered from Golden Temple Complex, were handed over to Mr. Kailash Chand Sharma Officiating Treasury Officer, Amritsar on 13 June 1984Gold and Gold ornamentsSilver and Silver ornamentsPrecious stones, semi-precious stones, and PearlsGovt. currency notes worth Rs. 30,93,936.00Coins, currency, and FDR’sC Items Handed over to CBI in 1984i) 5th July, 1984:-A total of four big bags and 72 small bags with passports and office files/documents were taken over by CBI vide Seizure Memo Case No. RC 2/84/III/SIC/CBI/SPE/N. Delhi dated 05.07.19846th July, 1984:- A total of 36 big bags with passports, booklets and files/ documents were taken over by CBI vide Seizure Memo Case No. RC 2/84 SIC/CBI/SPE/N Delhi dated 06.07.19847th July, 1984:-A total of 16 big bags with files, passbooks, identity cards, cheque-books, booklets/diaries, registers etc. were taken over by CBI vide Seizure Memo Case No. RC/2/84/SIC/CBI/SPE/N. Delhi dated 07.07.1984D Items handed over to CBI on 6th March, 1985:12 bags containing files, office stationery, and diaries/booklets were handed over to Shri O.S. Randhawa, SI/CBI/SCI/ New Delhi on 06.03.1985E Handing over of Paintings/Photos and Manuscripts on 05.07.1985: A board of officers was convened to hand over 98 paintings, 14 photos, and four manuscripts which were recovered from Central Sikh Museum, Golden Temple, Amritsar. These were handed over to Shri Mohan Singh, Department of Cultural Affairs, Chandigarh on 05.07.1985.4) That the contents of Para No. 5 is admitted to the extent that the Defence Minister had intimated SGPC authorities that documents recovered from Golden Temple Complex, Amritsar by Army authorities were handed over to CBI. The rest of the para is denied as about 4000 articles were recovered and not as mentioned therein.Reply filed by CBI SPThe CBI had not removed any article lying in the Sikh Reference Library. Army authorities in an investigation of case No. RC 2/84-SIU.III/SIC.II/CBI/New Delhi had handed over 4000 manuscripts to CBI which were purported to have been recovered from the Golden Temple complex during Operation Blue Star, vide receipt memos dated 26.6.1984, 04.07.1983, 06.07.1984 and letter Nos. 1654/Q/G dated 08.07.1984 and No. 1108/13/BS/GS/I and II dated 06.03.1985. These documents were shifted from the CBI camp office at Youth Hostel Amritsar.After obtaining an order of the Hon’ble High Court on 13.10.1989, 20.06.1990, and 28.12.1990 respectively, whatever was claimed by SGPC was handed over to them. The CBI has already handed over all the claimed documents/articles etc. to the concerned SGPC representatives under proper receipt.Certain documents which were found seditious during the investigation were destroyed after the order of the Hon’ble Court. A copy of the list of such documents is enclosed herewith as Annexure A.Similarly, some documents were filed along with the Challan in the concerned court and may be available in the court file. A list of such documents is enclosed herewith as Annexure B.Two documents i.e., one diary and a file were handed over to the IO of another case/exhibited in the Court of Special Judge, Bhagalpur.Presently the CBI has only 5 documents as per the details given below:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">A magazine ‘Sant Sipahi’ ( May 1984) 2. The file containing various letters etc. (49 sheets) 3. Diary of Sh. Balwinder Singh Khojkipur for 1983. 4. One copy of the annual report of All India Sikh Student Federation dated. 20.9.83. 5. Arms license No 926/ AVG/ ASR of Sh. Chanan Sing</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">If we see the details given by the Ministry of Home GOI and CBI regarding documents at Sikh Reference Library, we find that:</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Stocktaking of items taken from Golden Temple was carried out on 13 June 1984 by the Corps HQs 11 Corpse located at Jalandhar. (Mr. VK Gupta’s reply).</li> </ul>Board found 25 historical items and 43 nonhistorical items. These items were put in boxes and sealed. Subsequently, another board was ordered to hand over the 52 historical items on 13 September 1984 to Shri Mohan Singh, Curator, Museum, Punjab Govt. These were handed over by the board in the presence of SGPC representatives as also representatives from Punjab Govt./ Deputy Commissioners Office. (Mr. VK Gupta’s reply)The army handed over 4000 manuscripts to CBI which they had recovered from Golden Temple Complex. ( Mr. VK Gupta’s reply)Items recovered from Golden Temple were either handed over to SGPC and its functionaries or the Govt. treasures or to the CBI. (Mr. VK Gupta’s reply).Items handed over to CBI included (a) A total of four big bags and 72 small bags with passports and office files/documents handed over on 5th July 1984 (b) A total of 36 big bags with passports, booklets, and files/ documents were taken over by CBI on 6th July 1984 (c) A total of 16 big bags with files, passbooks, identity cards, cheque-books, booklets/diaries, registers, etc. were taken over by CBI on 7th July 1984. (d) 12 bags containing files, office stationery, and diaries/booklets were handed over to Shri O.S. Randhawa on 6th March 1985 (e) (Total 56 big bags and 84 small bags) (Mr. VK Gupta’s reply)The army took away those bags to New Delhi. After scrutinizing at their end they handed over 56 big + 72 small bags to CBI at Amritsar between 5th to 7th July 1984 and 12 bags on 6th March 1985. These bags contained material taken away not only from the Sikh reference library but also from the entire complex including the SGPC complex. (As per DSP Shabdal Singh’s statement and also of Nanda’s statements, they had received 190 bags on 18-20 June 1984. There appears a discrepancy in these two statements.) This shows that the material was investigated and analyzed at Delhi as well as at Youth Hostel, Amritsar. (Mr. VK Gupta’s reply and DSP Shabdal Singh’s statement and also of Nanda’s statements).Sh Binod Kumar Roy (Chef Justice ) and Justice Surya Kant, the Hon’ble Judges of Punjab and Haryana High Court in their decision stated: ‘The question as to whether such articles were in fact there or not cannot be enquired appropriately in this writ proceedings. We give liberty to the petitioners to approach an appropriate forum where such an issue could be appropriately adjudicated…..’ and ‘ ….we further clarify that if Government of India has no real objection to the release of any other property claimed by petitioner no.2 to be returned to it, then it will pass an objective order expeditiously.’Analysis of the above statements:<ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">The Sikh Reference Library was not burnt during OP Blue Star.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">The HQ 11 Corps carried out stock-taking on 13 June 1984 including that of the Library.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">The Documents were taken by Army to Delhi after due stock taking.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Army handed over 190 bags which included 4000 books and manuscripts to CBI at Airport Amritsar on June 19-20, 1984.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Out of these a few manuscripts and Hukamnamas were handed over by S Nanda to S. Manjit Singh Calcutta..</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">After obtaining an order of the Hon’ble High Court on 13.10.1989, 20.06.1990, and 28.12.1990 respectively, whatever was claimed by SGPC was handed over to SGPC under proper receipt.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">The copies of receipts filed by CBI do not account for the 4000 manuscripts and the rare books; it only accounts for 95 rare books, 20 manuscripts 1. hukamnamas. Other returned included magazines and newspapers only.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">As per Sikh Reference Library records 125 bags containing Sikh Reference Library books were taken by Army, out of which only 29 bags were returned i.e., 14, 17, 18, 21, 25 to 28, 31, 33, 34, 37, 38, 42, 51, 57, 73, 77, 81, 86, 87, 91, 102 to 104, 106, 108, 114. The bags which were not returned included 01 to 13, 15, 16, 19, 20, 22 to 24, 29, 30, 32, 35, 36, 39 to 41, 43 to 50, 52 to 56, 58 to 72, 74 to 76, 78 to 80, 82 to 85, 88 to 90, 93 to 101, 105, 107, 109 to 113, 115 to 125. (4 books being exception).</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">The CBI has to give the details of the remaining manuscripts and rare books. Director CBI Bawa Harkishan Singh, DIG Rajinder Kumar, DSP Shabdal Singh and Inspector Ranjit Singh Nanda; all of CBI were the persons responsible hence must provide the answer.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">As per the verdict by Punjab & Haryana High Court for the items claimed and not returned earlier an order must be passed by the Government of India to pass an order expeditiously, the Government of India must pass an order immediately for the CBI to release the remaining documents for Sikh Reference Library.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Hq 11 Corps must provide the list of items made during stock-taking on 13 June 1984. Army HQs also must provide the list of items rare books and manuscripts it handed over to CBI.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">The assistance of Ex SGPC Officials S. Kulwant Singh, S Joginder Singh, S. Abinashi Singh, S Manjit Singh Calcutta, S. Anurag Singh, S Joginder Singh Duggal, S. Jaura Singha, etc. S S. Satnam Singh s/o Mela Singh must also be taken</li> </ol>Let us first see what was in Sikh Reference Library. Sikh Reference Library consisted of rare books in addition to Handwritten Manuscripts, Hukamnamas, letters, Pattas and Sanads, old paintings and photographs, and other articles like Sikh uniforms, weapons etc. The list of books contained in Sikh Reference Library as available from the various records are as follows:Ganda Singh Secretary compiled and got printed on 19-10-1950, 4 lists of books:1-Soochee Patar Punjabi, (Gurmukhi) Pustkan, Bhag Pahila, jo Sikh Reference Library Amritsar wich Maujud han) Sikh History Society, Amritsar Maghar 482, GN-Containing 1144 rare books including 10, Assamese 2 Bengali and 3 Sindhi Gurmukhi historical books and 158 Handwritten manuscripts. Hukumnamas & Letters- Hukamnamas 14+2 Albums of Hukamnamas- with ….Huamnamas+Letters 13+Guru Gobind Singh’s letter Photocopy2-Sikh Reference Library Shiromani Gurdwara Pabandhak Committee, Amritsar Soochee Patar Punjabi, (Gurmukhi) Pustkan Bhag Duja containing 1265 books 152 Manuscripts Handwritten and 68 photographs3-Catalogue of Books Part I: The list contains 670 books of English and one book in French and Maps-190 maps.4-Catalogue of English Books Part II: List contains 364 books in English+ One book in French + and 3 maps5. 1548 English books, one French and Gazeteer sanads (printed list no 2 page 3 of 1950) and6. 400 English and one French books (printed list no 3 page 2 of 1950).7. Beedan de Saroopan di list- Amritsar Sikh Reference Library vich surkhiat han, 1763 Bikrmi (1706 AD) ton pahile dian te baad dian-658. Saroop of Sachkhand Hazoor Sahib which have Tenth Guru’s signatures. It has all 4 sabds of so pururkh but baani of ninth guru is not included.Saroop of beed of bidhi chand of Sur Singh Nagar which is upto bilawal raag. It contains all all 4 sabds of so pururkh but baani of ninth guru is not included.Total- Rare Books 1144+1265+671+365+1548+400=5393 + Manuscripts=158+152 +65=375, Maps 193 + rare photographs=68As per additional information, in 1968, there were 382 handwritten manuscripts pertaining to 950 subjects. In 1984 the reference library contained about 512 rare handwritten manuscripts of Sri Guru Granth Sahib including the one signed by the Sixth Guru, the one written by Bhai Gurdas and signed along with Mool Mantar by Guru Tegh Bahadur and copies of Kartarpuri Beed, and many foils of Khari Beed Samwat wise. Also included were 2 Dasam Granths, Sikhan di Bhagat Mal of 18th century. It had 44 Hukamanams of the Gurus and Mata Sahiban. As per one SGPC source out of 160 (125 of manuscripts and rare books) bags taken away by the Army only 29 bags were returned and the remaining 131 bags are to yet be returned.As balance Manuscripts including Beeds of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Hukamnamas and rare books yet to be returned, the Government of India must issue orders to CBI to return the remaining documents as per the verdict of the Hon’ble High Court.Annexure 1:List 1- Soochee Patar Punjabi, (Gurmukhi) Pustkan, Bhag Pahila, jo Sikh Reference Library Amritsar wich Maujud han) Sikh History Society, Amritsar Maghar 482, GN-Punjabi (Gurmukhi) Pustkan: (Legend: Hand written: HW, Manuscript: Ms):- Sr. 171-179, 236, 237, 238-241, 245-251, 254, 255 (4 HW Ms), 256, 257, 258 (HW Ms) 259-265,271, 274, (HW Ms), 275, 507, 524, 525 (2- HW Ms), 526, 527 (HW Ms), 540 (Photocopies of 11 letters of Maharani Jind Kaur), 541 (Photocopies of 7 Hukamnamas of Guru Tegh Bahadur and Guru Gobind Singh), 542-3 (Photocopies of HW letters of Guru Gobind Singh), 562, 563, 569, 570 (HW Ms), 575 (HW Ms), 614-7, 618, 699, 718-723, 726, 728, 729, 731, 732 (2-1836 Bikrami), 733 (2- HW Ms, 1901 Bikrami), 734(HW Ms-1913 Bikrami), 735 (HW Ms) 736, 737, 738-739 (HW Ms) 740, 741-743 (HW Ms), 744 (5 HW Ms), 745-746(HW Ms), 747 (11-HW Ms), 748 (HW Ms), 750-752 (HW Ms), 754-6, 758, 767 (3-HW Ms), 768 (3-HW Ms), 768 (2-HW Ms), 769 (2 HW Ms),770, 778, 779(1-HW Ms)780 (HW Ms), 781 (4-HW Ms), 782 (8-HW Ms), 783 (6- HW Ms), 784 (2- HW Ms), 785 (HW Ms), 796-8, 799 (HW Ms), 800 (2-HW Ms), 801 (HW Ms), 802 (6-HW Ms), 803, 831,832, 835, 837(2) 838-9, 840-847 (2 each), 848, 849-861(2 each), 862-871, 921, 922, 923 (2), 924, 926, 927 (6), 928, 929 (4), 930-931 (2 each), 932 (5), 933 (4), 934 (5), 935 (5), 936 (4) 937 (5), 938 (4), 939(5) 940 (6), 941-4, 945 (2), 946 (3), 947-950, 952 (2), 953, 954-7 (2 each), 958 (3), 959 (4), 960, 961(3), 962, 963 (4), 964 (6), 965 (2), 966 (11), 967 (7), 968 (4), 969 (5), 970 (9), 971 (11), 972 (3), 973 (2), 974 (3), 975-981, 983-1002, 1004-05, 1023, 1025-1036, 1037 (2), 1038-1041, 1042 (2), 1043 (5), 1051-3, 1063-5, 1066(2),1067 (3), 1068, 1069, 1070 (3), 1071, 1072 (2), 1073-5, 1076 (2), 1077 (2), 1079, 1081-5, 1087-1091, 1093, 1095-7, 1099-1101, 1102 (2), 1103(11), 1104-6, 1108, 1109 (2), 1110, 1111 (4), 1112-3, 1115-6, 1118-1125, 1129-1132, 1138, 1140-1, 1143-4, 1148-50, 1151(2), 1152 (HW Ms), 1155(HW Ms), 1156-1161, 1162 (HW Ms), 1166-1177, 1179-1182, 1186-1190, 1191 (21- HW Ms), 1192 (HW Ms), 1193 (2- HW Ms), 1194 (HW Ms), 1195-1204, 1207-09, 1213, 1215, 1241, 1242, 1262,1327, 1328, 1349-50, 1352, 1355, 1357, 1358-61, 1369-1371, 1376, 1387, 1391, 1394-1423, 1425, 1430-1451, 1453-1485, 1489-1527, 1529-1536, 1538-39, 1543-46, 1553-1556, 1557 (2- HW Ms), 1558, 1559 (3-litho), 1560 (litho), 1561 (HW Ms),1562 (5- HW Ms),1563 (4) 1564(6), 1565-71, 1572-75 (litho), 1576 (2) 1577 (litho), 1578 (2-HW Ms), 1579 (HW Ms) 1580 (2), 1581-82, 1589, 1592, -93, 1595-96 (HW Ms), 1601 (litho)1602-1606, 1607 (7, 2-Litho), 1608-1612, 1613 (litho), 1614-1618, 1622, 1624-1629, 1635, 1642-43, 1654, 1656, 1657 (HW Ms), 1658, 1661-62, 1664 (HW Ms), 1665-1668, 1677, 1679 (9), 1680, 1681, 1682 (4), 1683, 1685(2), 1686 -88, 1690-92, (2 each), 1694-1700,1701-02 (2 each),1703-1706, 1758, 1760 (HW Ms), 1761, 1764-1786, 1790, 1798, 1801-03, 1807-08 (HW Ms), 1809, 1810 (HW Ms) 1812 ( litho) 1813-15, , 1817, 1819 (litho), 1820-21, 1823, 1829-1843, 1844 (HW Ms) 1845 (5-HW Ms), 1846-48, 1861-69, 1871, 1876, 1882-1909, 1914-1927, 1928 (HW Ms), 1929-1930,1943-46, 1949, 1951-72, 1973 (5-HW Ms) 1974 (3 HW Ms), 1975 (HW Ms), 1976, 1981-83, 1985-89, 1991, 2058 (HW Ms), 2059, 2061, 2063-64, 2065-67 (HW Ms), 2068, 2069 (HW Ms), 2070-73, 2161-64, 2165 (2) 2166-2173, 2180-83, 2184 (4-HW Ms), 2185, 2186-7 (Hukamname Sangat Patan Farid ke- 2 (Mata Sahib Devi), 21886 HW Ms pages of Guru Gobind Singh (photo) 2189 Hukamname Sangat Patan Farid ke- 2 ALBUM- Samwat 1720-1816, Guru Harkishan, Guru Tegh Bahadur, Guru Gobind Singh, Mata Sahib Devi), 2190, 2281 (2), 2283-85, 2302-04 (HW Ms), 2305-06, 2307-10 (6-HW Ms), 2311, 2312 (3-HW Ms), 2313-2318, 2319 (HW Ms), 2321, 2322-2323 ( 2-HW Ms), 2324-2328, 2329-2330 (3-HW Ms), 2331, 2334-35.Assamese (15)-27-40, 42 (Buranjees): Bangla (2): 1092, 1142, Sindhi (2): 924, 982.Total-Sikh Reference Library Shiromani Gurdwara Pabandhak Committee, Amritsar Soochee Patar Punjabi, (Gurmukhi) Pustkan Bhag Duja2344-2348, 2350, 2351 (litho), 2352-54, 2355 (litho), 2356 (16), 2357-69, 2370-71 (HW Ms), 2373 (HW Ms) 2374 (12), 2377, 2379, 2381-89, 2390 (2), 2391-2426, 2427-28 (2 each), 2429, 2430 (5), 2431, 2432 (HW Ms), 2433-42, 2444-49, 2451, Hukamnama 6th Guru (2 in 4 Photos), Baba Gurditta Ji (1 in 2 Photos), Ninth Guru in 13 photos -2452-19 photos Patna 1675-1728, 2453 Hukamnama Mata Gujri Ji in one photo, Tenth Guru- five photos, Matya Sunder Sarup –Seven photos, Mata Sahib Devan two photos. 2454-15 photos Patna 1748-1787 Bikrmi, 2467-2475, 2477-89, 2491-92, 2500, 2504-2510, 2512, 2518, 2520-21, 2523, 2525, 2528-42, 2547, 2552, 2554-55, 2575-76, 2597-2614, 2617-18, 2623-2631, 2633-36, 2641-2668, 2670-77, 2686-2705, 2748, 2750-51, 2755-57, 2787-90, 2797-2855, 2858-2867, 2873-2877, 2888-2889 ( HW Ms), 2893-2900, 2905, 2907-2921, 2924, 2925 (7-HW MS), 2926 (8 HW Ms),2927 (11 HW Ms), 2928-3931 (Bound Amrit & Pritam Monthly), 2948-2951, 2954-2970,2973-3004, 3006-3032, 3042, 3052-3054,3080-3084, 3154-3179, 3195-3217, 3246-3249, 3255-3258, 3260-3270, 3272-3276, 3284-3285, 3286-3290 (in one binding), 3291-3293 (HW Ms), 3294-3309, 3320-3325, 3373-3376, 3377 (HW Ms), 3378 (3 HW Ms),, 3379-3397, 3398 (7 HW Ms), 3399-3405, 3474-3480, 3500-3509, 3510-11(HW Ms), 3512-13 (2 HW Ms each), (in one binding5), 3514-3516, 3526-3531, 3546, 3547 (HW Ms) 3548-3549, 3552-3560, 3575, 3602-3603, 3610-3613, 3686-3690, 3705-3708, 3730, 3733-3738, 3745-3748, 3751, 3781, 3855, 3895-3905, 3913-3921, 3964, 3968-3990, 3994-4011 (4000-2), 4030-31, 4049-4060, 4071-4075, 4183-4190, 4198-4212, 4217-4219, 4230-4240, 4252-4261, 4262 (HWMs), 4263, 4264 ( Hw Ms), 4265 (HW Ms) (4258-4265 in onnth e binding),4266 ( Old HW Ms), 4267-68, 4278-79, 4281, 4318-19, 4320, 4321 HW Ms), 4322 (Sooraj Granth Rashi 7-9), 4323 ( Suraj Granth HW Ms),324 ( HW Ms), 4325-4337, 4338(3), 4339-4346, 4391-4395, 44274429, 4434, 4443 (Old HW), 4444 (HW), 4445-46Details of Manuscripts/Handwritten (HW Ms) materials255 (4- HW Ms), 258 (HW Ms), 274 (HW Ms), 525 (2-HW Ms), 527 (HW Ms), 570 (HW Ms), 575 (HW Ms), 732 (2-1836 Bikrami), 733 (2-HW Ms, 1901 Bikrami), 734(HW Ms-1913Bikrami),735 (HW Ms), 738-739 (HW Ms), 741-743 (HW Ms), 744 (5 HW Ms), 745-746 (HW Ms), 747 11-HW Ms), 748 (HW Ms), 750-752 (HW Ms), 767 (3-HW Ms), 768 (3-HW Ms), 768 (2-HW Ms), 769 (2 HW Ms), 779(1-HW Ms), 780 (HW Ms), 781(4-HW Ms), 782 (8-HW Ms),783 (6-HW Ms), 784 (2-HW Ms), 785 (HW Ms), 799 (HW Ms), 800 (2-HW Ms), 801 (HW Ms), 802(6-HW Ms), 1152 (HW Ms), 1155 (HW Ms), 1162, 1191 (21-HW Ms), 1192 (HW Ms), 1193 (2-HW Ms), 1194 (HW Ms), 1557 (2-HW Ms), 1561 (HW Ms), 1562 (5-HW Ms), 1578 (2-HW Ms), 1579 (HW Ms), 1595-96 (HW Ms), 1657 (HW Ms), 1664 (HW Ms), 1760 (HW Ms), 1807-08 (HW Ms), 1810 (HW Ms), 1844 (HW Ms), 1845 (5-HW Ms), 1928 (HW Ms), 1973 (5-HW Ms), 1974 (3-HW Ms), 1975 (HW Ms), 2058 (HW Ms), 2065-67 (HW Ms), 2069 (HW Ms), 2184 (4-HW Ms), 2302-04 (HW Ms), 2307-10 (6-HW Ms), 2312 (3-HW Ms), 2319 (HW Ms), 2322-2323 (2-HW Ms), 2329-2330 (3-HW Ms),Hukumnamas & Letters- Hukamnamas +14 Hukamnamas + 2 Albums of Hukamnamas- with ….Huamnamas+ Letters 13+Guru Gobind Singh’s letter Photocopy1. 540 (Photocopies of 11 letters of Maharani Jind Kaur)2. 541 (Photocopies of 7 Hukamnamas of Guru Tegh Bahadur and Guru Gobind Singh)3. 542-3 (Photocopies of HW letters of Guru Gobind Singh),4. 2186-7 (Hukamname Sangat Patan Farid ke- 2 (Mata Sahib Devi),5. 2188 HW Ms pages of Guru Gobind Singh (photo)6. 2189 Hukamname Sangat Patan Farid ke-2 ALBUM- Samwat 1720-1816, Guru Harkishan, Guru Tegh Bahadur, Guru Gobind Singh, Mata Sahib Devi),Beedan de Saroopan di list- Amritsar Sikh Reference Library vich surkhiat han, 1763 Bikrmi (1706 AD) ton pahile dian te baad dian1667: So Purkh chare sabd darj han. Nauven guru di bani darj nahin1732: Poho 23: So Purkh chare sabd darj han. Nauven guru di bani darj nahin1742: Sawan 19: So Purkh chare sabd darj han. Nauven guru di bani darj nahin1743: Magh Sudi 5: So Purkh chare sabd darj han. Nauven guru di bani darj nahin1743- Vaisakh 13; So purukh ton nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai, mangal pahile han.1743-Sawan triodsi 13; So purukh ton nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai, vade mangal pahile han, chhotte saje tarteeb anusar darj han.1746- So purukh darj nahin hai, nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai, mangal pahile daraj han.1748-Mah 17: Sodar pahila hi sabd darj hai iko, baaki nahin han te nauven guru ji di baani darj hai. Mngal pahile han.1751 mah sudi 17: So purukh te nauven guru ji di baani darj hai1751: Fagno vadi 13: So purukh te nauven guru ji di baani darj hai, mangal pahile han.1751: Fagno vadi 13: So purukh te nauven guru ji di baani darj hai, mangal pahile han.1751: Had vadi 11: So Purukh darj nahin; Nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai1753: Katak sudi 1: So purukh ton nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai1755: Katik Vadi 24: So purukh darj nahin: nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai1755: Katik Vadi 24: So purukh ton nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai1755: Chetar Vadi 21: So purukh ton nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai1760: Magh Sudi 12: So purukh ton nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai1763: Poho 20: So purukh ton nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai1770 : Cheto 1: So purukh ton nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai1771: Fagno Vadi 7: So purukh ton nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai1784: Badi 2: So purukh ton nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai1787: Chetro Vadi 2: So purukh ton nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai1787: Fagan Channani Panchmi: So purukh ton nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai1787 Fagan 5: So Purkh chare sabd darj han. Nauven guru di bani darj nahin1787: Asu sudi 8: So purukh ton nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai1788: So purukh nahi hai: Nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai1789: Bhadro 1: So purukh ton nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai1790: Katak Ikadshi 11: So purukh nahi hai: Nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai1790: Completed in 1793: So purukh nahi hai: Nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai: Likhat Kehar Ravidasia1791: Asa Vadi 11; So purukh ton nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai1792: So purukh ton nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai1792 Sawan Vadi 5: So Purkh chare sabd darj han. Nauven guru di bani darj nahin1794: Katak 3: So purukh nahi hai: Nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai1795 Katak Sudi 10: So purukh nahi hai: Nauven guru ji di baanee darj hai1796 Katak Vadi 5: So purukh nahi hai: Nauven guru ji di baanee darj hai1797: Katak Sudi 2: So purukh ton nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai1798 Katak sudi 11: So purukh ton nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai.1800: Magh vadi 11:So purukh ton darj nahin. nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai1803:Asu Vadi 28: So purukh ton nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai.1803;Asu 1: So purukh ton nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai.1805: Chetar Sudi 5: So purukh ton nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai.1805: Jeth Vadi 3: So purukh ton nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai.1805: Jeth Vadi Brispatwar: So purukh ton nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai.1805:Chetar Sudi 13: So purukh ton nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai.1809: Pokh Sudi 3: So purukh nahin hai. nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai.1809: Asu Vadi 10: So purukh ton nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai.1809: Savno 1: So purukh ton nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai.1809:Maho 3 Veervar: So purukh nahi hai. Nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai.1810: So purukh ton nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai.1811:Maghar Sudi 11: So purukh ton nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai.1812:Katak Sudi 26: So purukh ton nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai.1814:Jeth Vadi 5: So purukh ton nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai.1834: So purukh te nauven guru ji di baani darj hai1888; So purukh te nauven guru ji di baani darj hai1900: So purukh te nauven guru ji di baani darj hai1905: So purukh te nauven guru ji di baani darj hai1920: So purukh te nauven guru ji di baani darj hai1923: So purukh te nauven guru ji di baani darj hai1935: So purukh te nauven guru ji di baani darj hai1942: So purukh te nauven guru ji di baani darj hai1943: So purukh te nauven guru ji di baani darj haiSaroop of Sachkhand Hazoor Sahib which has Tenth Guru’s signatures. It has all 4 sabds of so pururkh but baani of ninth guru is not included.Saroop of beed of bidhi chand of Sur Singh Nagar which is upto bilawal raag. It contains all all 4 sabds of so pururkh but baani of ninth guru is not included.A. Nauven guru di bani darj nahin. So Purkh chare sabd darj han.-8(1). 1667: (2). 1732: Poho 23. (3). 1742: Sawan 19 (4). 1743: Magh Sudi 5. (5). 1787 Fagan 5. (6). 1792 Sawan Vadi 5. (7). Saroop of Sachkhand Hazoor Sahib which has Tenth Guru’s signatures. It has all 4 sabds of so pururkh but baani of ninth guru is not included.(8). Saroop of beed of bidhi chand of Sur Singh Nagar which is upto bilawal raag. It contains all all 4 sabds of so pururkh but baani of ninth guru is not included.B. So purukh ton nauvn guru ji di baanee darj hai. -44 (1) 1735 Vaisakh 13: (2). 1743- Vaisakh 13. (3). 1743-Sawan triodsi 13 : (4). 1751 Mah sudi 17. (5). 1751: Fagno vadi 13, (6). 1751: Fagano vadi 13. (7) 1751: Fagno vadi 13. (8). 1753 Katak sudi 1. (9). 1755 Katio Vadi 24. (10). 1755 Katio Vadi 24. (11). 1755 Chetar Vadi 21. (12). 1760: Magh Sudi 12. (13). 1763: Poho 20. (14). 1770: Cheto 1. (15). 1771: Fagno Vadi 7. (16). 1784: Badi 2. (17). 1787: Chetro Vadi 2. (18). 1787: Fagan Channani Panchmi. (19). 1787: Asu sudi 8. (20). 1789: Bhadro 1. (21) 1790: Completed in 1793(Written by Kehar Ravidasia) (22). 1791: Asa Vadi 11. (23). 1792. (24). 1796:Katk Vadi 5, (25) 1797: Katak Sudi 2 (26). 1803:Asu Vadi 28, (27). 1803; Asu 11, (28). 1805: (29). 1805: Jeth Vadi Brispatwar: (30). 1805: Jeth Vadi Brispatwar: (31). 1805: Chetar Sudi 13: (32). 1810: (33).1811:Maghar Sudi 11; (34). 1812: Katak Sudi 26: (35). 1814:Jeth Vadi 5: (36). 1834. (37). 1888. (38). 1900. (39). 1905.(40). 1920. (41). 1923. (42). 1935. (43). 1942. (44). 1943.C. Sodar pahila hi sabd darj hai iko, baaki nahin han- (1) 1748 Maho 17:D. So Purukh darj nahin:-11: (1) 1746: (2) 1751: Had vadi 11, (3) 1755 Katio Vadi 24 (4) 1788: (5) 1790: Katak Ikadshi 11. (6) 1794: Katak 3 (7) 1795 Katak Sudi 10 (8)1798 Katak Sudi 11 (9) 1800 Magh vadi 11 (10) 1809: Pokh Sudi 3(11) 1809 Magh 3(Total Sri Guru Granth Sahib Manuscripts-65)Now a case is filed in High Court P & H where SGPC has been made party along with Army and CBI about the return of balance documents. The biggest concern is of 512 handwritten MS of SGGS and some other handwritten MS. I was also asked to find out whether these are retained by Army. I, of my own, checked from Sikh Regimental center, Punjab Regimental Centre, and Sikh LI Regimental Centers and find no records about of these documents. I will check up from HQ 11 corps the copy of the documents during handing taking with CBI. I was also told by a very reliable source that the Old MS were also handed over to SGPC but like other copies of SGGS, have been distributed.As per all other available evidence, these old handwritten 512 MS of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and other Manuscripts remain with CBI. Hence further investigation has to be done either at Delhi at CBI stores or with SGPC since Army does not hold any documents as per my findings.To a writ about Library material not returned after Op Blue Star: SGPC tells High Court, In a related RTI reply on August 3, 2018, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs had said, "About 4000 documents/books/files gold/gold ornaments, silver/silver ornaments, precious stone currency at sector were recovered by a central agency during Operation Blue Star in 1984. The articles and documents handed over either to SGPC or to the Government of Punjab." In a recent reply to a petition filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has claimed 1,500 manuscripts, including 512 codices of the Shri Guru Granth Sahib, which were allegedly taken away during Operation Blue Star have not been returned to it by the Centre.In a related RTI reply on August 3, 2018, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs had said, “About 4000 documents/books/files gold/gold ornaments, silver/silver ornaments, precious stone currency at sector were recovered by a central agency during Operation Blue Star in 1984. The articles and documents handed over either to SGPC or to the Government of Punjab.” (Indian Express)References1 Among several publications describing the battle between Sikh militants inside the Temple and the Indian armies, Tully and Jacob’s account (Citation1985) remains the most reliable.2 See Kaur ([Citation1983] Citation2004, 222–231). She lists 74 Bungas dividing these into four classes according to who built them, uses these were put to and dates them; 1. Misl; 2. Personal 3. Community 4. Ecclesiastical. The earliest was built in 1754 called Akhara Brahm Buta and by the end of the eighteenth century, there were 25 Bungas, built by emerging Sikh Misl chiefs such as the Sukarchakia, Chhapparwala; Bhungianwala, Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, Ahluwalia, Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Chichanwalia; Sandhawalia and so on. From 1800, almost a race by various Sikh chiefs led to the building of 50 more Bungas among them Bunga Nauhathian built in 1800, Bunga Sardar Lehna Singh Majithia in 1808 and Bunga Sardar Sher Singh that was completed in 1829, the last of such buildings. Altogether between 1800 and 1829 about fifty Bungas were added.3 Sikh History Research Department at Khalsa College Amritsar was established in 1930 with the sole efforts of Dr Ganda Singh. As part of its aim was to collect sources of Sikh history, a library was established in a separate building. Altogether the Department collected 570 rare manuscripts (287 in Punjabi, 248 in Persian, 32 in Urdu and 3 in Sanskrit) besides 4726 books on Sikh history along with creating an art gallery. The history of this library is given in the first issue of a journal published by Khalsa College commemorating the contribution of Ganda Singh to Sikh Studies, ‘Dr Ganda Singh Journal of Sikh Historical and Religious Studies,’ Vol.1 No. 1 March 1991. Unfortunately, the journal did not survive for long.4 Singh (Citation1950b). This issue of Itihasak Pattar contains ‘Suchi Pattar Panjabi [Gurmukhi] Pustakan of Sikh Reference Library’, Amritsar (Singh Citation1950c). This issue of Itihasak Pattar contains ‘author index, and subject index of the Panjabi books of Sikh Reference Library’, Amritsar (Singh Citation1950d). This issue of Itihasak Pattar contains ‘catalogue of English books part 1 of Sikh Reference Library’ (Singh Citation1951). This issue of Itihasak Pattar contains ‘Catalogue of English Books, Part 2 of Sikh Reference Library.5 This list follows the account given by Kaur (Citation1991); this was earlier published in Journal of Sikh Studies.6 Tully discusses the destruction of the library on pages 176–177 of his book where he also observes; ‘Nevertheless, it is very difficult to believe that an army which did obey orders to refrain from firing at the Golden Temple itself would have deliberately set a building as important as the library on fire.’ The restraint was not as well-observed as the Golden Temple sustained over 100 bullet marks on its walls besides a shot that passed through sacred pages of the Guru Granth Sahib in the inner sanctum of the Harmandir.7 Tarlochan Singh, Des Pardes, July 17, 2015, 44.8 The CBI states that in complying with the order of the High Court on 13 October 1989, 20 June 1990 and 28 December 1990, respectively, whatever was claimed by SGPC was handed over to concerned representatives under proper receipts. In reply to a Public Writ filed by Satnam Singh son of Mela Singh at Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2003 seeking clarification [CWP No. 11301/2003] about the contents of the Sikh Reference Library, the CBI made a submission through V. K. Gupta, Under-Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India and B. S. Kanwar SP CBI/SICII New Delhi citing (Case No. RC 2/84-SIU.III/SIC.II/CBI/New Delhi). It detailed how various items were collected by the army from the Golden Temple and how these were then either handed back to the appropriate SGPC authorities or to the CBI for further investigation. In its submission, there are several annexures wherein list of items handed back to different authorities are listed.9 Jhand and Shaharyar (Citation2015), also see a report by Varinder Walia in the Tribune, June 12, 2000.10 See statement of Ranjit Singh Nanda and Shabdal Singh in Ajit of 11, 12 June 2000, respectively.11 See note 8.12 In its report, Ensaaf (Citation2006) stated that the Union Government filed an affidavit in a court case in April 2004 acknowledging that it possessed many articles, including handwritten scriptures and documents and wished to return them. As a result, the High Court deposed the petition ordering the government to return the materials. But the government has not complied with the order.13 See note 8 concerning CBI submission to Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2003.14 See news concerning this case in various newspapers, Hindustan Times, January 2, 2018 report: Among the damaged articles, there were about 2500 handwritten birs (holy scriptures) of the Guru Granth Sahib from the times of Guru Arjan Dev and Guru Gobind Singh; During the course of the trial, the SGPC offered to withdraw its suit if the government agreed to apologise and submit a token compensation of Rs. 1. The defence lawyers, however, refused. e.g. Indian Express March 23, 2016: The petition seeking compensation was filed in 1986 by the SGPC in Amritsar court. Then the SGPC president Gurcharan Singh Tohra had filed another petition in his personal capacity. The case was shifted to the Delhi High Court. The SGPC was supposed to deposit a fee of Rs. 10 crores as per the court’s rules for the hearing to start. However, the proceedings of the case got delayed as SGPC wanted court to exempt the Rs. 10 crore fees. The fee was eventually deposited by SGPC in June 2013, paving the way for court to start the hearing in the case.15 The following letter is produced on page 195 in Jasbir Singh Sarna’s book Some Precious Pages of the Sikh HistoryD.O.N. 706 SL/RM/2000 Minister of Defence IndiaMay 3, 2000Dear Gurbachan Singh Bachan,Please refer to your letter dated 27.03.2000 regarding return of books taken by army in 1984.I have had the matter examined. The books and documents that were recovered from the Golden Temple Library had been handed over to the CBI by the Army authorities. You may kindly take up the matter with the ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension since CBI comes under the jurisdiction of that Ministry.With regards,Yours sincerely,Sd/- George FernandesTo: Dr. Gurbachan Singh Bachan, Secretary, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Teja Singh Samundari Hall, Amritsar.16 The Tribune May 22, 2009. In reply to a question of Tarlochan Singh, Rajya Sabha member from Haryana, A. K. Antony, Minister of Defence stated: ‘I have been informed that after the Operation, various books/items of Sikh Reference Library (Research) and Sikh Itihas Research Board were handed over to SGPC representative by the Army. Hence, the SGPC has no claim against anyone, the Army or the government’. However, the SGPC president Avtar Singh stated that the Defence Minister is misleading Parliament because Defence Minister George Fernandes had informed earlier that rare books of Sikh Reference Library were yet to be returned to the SGPC.17 The Times of India, May 14, 2015. Interestingly, Amaninder Sharma the newspaper reporter, calls it ‘raising the nearly-dead issue’ as if this was a minor and insignificant matter.18 Among prominent donors are Surjit Singh (3000 books), Parkash Singh (450 books), and Sangat Singh (750 books). Some manuscripts were donated by Narinder Singh from his personal collection of birs.19 Hindustan Times, March 30, 2017.0 While various Sikh website platforms throw some light, more echo this in emotional terms. See Facebook page of Anurag Singh who keeps a thick file of information and correspondence between the CBI and the Sikh Reference Library but has refused to share it with others except some excerpts through his Facebook notices making much drama of his assertion that some of the manuscripts returned by the CBI were subsequently sold abroad for profit. This kind of debate is hardly helpful as the issue of missing manuscripts needs the skills of an able archivist (combing old registers of the Sikh Reference Library) combined with investigative journalism able to probe the CBI submissions and interview the concerned officers from CBI, army personnel and political leaders.</blockquote>

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