Gurdev Singh Debu

Early life

Gurdev Singh Debu was born on July 15, 1961 in village Dheerpur (aka Dhirpur), Jalandhar. His parents were Mrs Gian Kaur and father Mr. Gurbachan Singh Sekhon. He belonged to a farmer family. Gurdev Singh completed his primary education in his native village Dheerpur and attended high school in nearby village Dialpur. After this, he began to work on motors and became known as an expert. He was married to Bibi Balvinder Kaur. He had one daughter and one son from this marriage.

Joining the war effort

He started working with Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale after “April 13, 1978 Nirankari confrontation” when thirteen Sikhs of the Akhand Kirtani Jatha were murdered. He was known to be a very close associate of Bhai Amrik Singh. He participated in a peaceful agitation Dharam Yudh Morcha, originally launched in August 1982 by Harcharan Singh Longowal. He also attended a Sikh Camp (December 26 to 31, 1983) to get a certification in Sikh religious education.

The 1984 Indian army attack on Golden Temple, famously known as Operation Blue Star changed his future life. His initial response was his participation in attacking government properties in the countryside. He joined Mr. Manbir Singh Chaheru, Mr. Mathra Singh, Mr. Tarsem Singh Kuhaar, Mr. Harjinder Singh Jinda, Mr. Sukhdev Singh Sukha and their other companions in establishing Khalistan Commando Force to avenge those killed in Operation Blue Star and take up the cause of Sikh secession from India. He was made one of the area commanders of this organization. He participated in several battles with Indian Government forces afterwards.

Aftermath

It has been reported that his entire family was illegally arrested and interrogated afterwards.

Monument

A memorial structure in his memory exists in the form of Sikh national Flag called “Nishan Sahib” at the entrance to his village, i.e. Dheerpur on the Hamira side. A big Sikh fair, called "Jor-Mela" is held on his matyrdom anniversary on every 3 July