If we look at his family background, he was born in 1957 in the city of Jagadhri. His father was Sardar Pratap Singh and his mother was Bibi Jaswant Kaur. Impressed by the Naam Bani and Kirtan of Bhai Fauja Singh, he joined the Akhand Kirtani Jatha. He regularly joined the Waheer of the Akhand Kirtani Jatha as they traveled to various villages to perform Kirtan.
Joining the Babbar Khalsa
After the martyrdom of Bhai Fauja Singh, a strong desire for armed struggle grew within him. This inspired him to join the Babbar Khalsa. He maintained very close, loving relationships with Bhai Talwinder Singh Babbar, Bhai Sukhdev Singh, Bhai Alok Singh, and all the other founding Singhs of the organization.
Traditional portrait of Bhai Mehanga Singh Ji in Sikh attire
Devotion and the Defense of Darbar Sahib
Another incident shared on social media highlights his deep attachment to the Guru. He came to Shri Anandpur Sahib, bowing down in deep prayer. He prayed with the belief that whatever a devotee asks from God, they will receive. He specifically asked God to grant him the gift of martyrdom.
On June 1, the CRPF launched a coordinated attack from the tops of tall surrounding buildings. To counter them effectively from an elevated position, Sardar Mehanga Singh Babbar climbed to the ninth floor of the Baba Atal building. From there, he aggressively responded to the attacks that the CRPF was launching against the Darbar Sahib complex.
The Battle at Baba Atal and Martyrdom
According to eyewitnesses, many Singhs of the Babbar Khalsa watched this intense battle from a window near room number 45 on the fourth floor of Nanak Niwas. They witnessed exactly how Mehanga Singh Babbar retaliated against the attacking troops who had opened fire on the Darbar Sahib. Sources note that he used a walkie-talkie to stay in constant contact with the other Singhs. Throughout the clash, they actively discussed the spirit of Chardikla among themselves.
During the encounter, he fired at an enemy position and raised his head to look. At that exact moment, a bullet coming from the front struck him, leading to his martyrdom. While some sources state he died instantly, others note he was seriously injured first.
Sardar Manmohan Singh Fauji brought him down from the ninth floor of Baba Atal in a very critical condition. They carried him to room number 45 on the fourth roof of Nanak Niwas. As Bhai Balbir Singh Sandhu has written in his book, he was breathing heavily at that time. Ultimately, Sardar Mehanga Singh Babbar attained martyrdom while fighting on June 1.
Final Rites and Tributes
Sangat performed the last rites of Bhai Mehanga Singh Babbar in front of Manji Sahib. During his funeral rites, many prominent leaders and members paid their respects. These included individuals associated with the Babbar Khalsa, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, the Shiromani Akali Dal, and the Dharam Yudh Morcha. All the Singhs associated with the Damdami Taksal were especially present to honor his final moments.
