The Dashmesh Regiment was a militant group, and is part of the Khalistan movement to create a Sikh homeland called Khalistan via armed struggle.
History
The Dashmesh Regiment jathebandi group has claimed responsibility for two of the killings in the 2016–17 Targeted killings in Punjab, India. The origins, leadership, and existence of Dasmesh Regiment is hazy. Some believe it was created by a third-party to put blame of their activities of Jarnail Singh. The Dasmesh Regiment first leader is alleged to be Surinder Singh Gill or Harminder Singh Sandhu the general secretary of the AISSF. Sandhu had admitted to his leadership of the regiment, but also denied it. Some say that it was led by Major General Shabeg Singh. Another belief holds that Dashmesh Regiment was a borad name used by the media to pin responsibility for crimes. It is known that Seetal Singh Mattewal created a militant group in 1990 with the name of Dashmesh Regiment and was its head.
Notable Activities
On 28 March of 1984 Dasmesh Regiment members killed H.S. Manchanda who was the pro government president of DSGMC. On April 2 1984 the Dasmesh Regiment killed Harbans Lal Khanna. On April 3 1984 the Dasmesh Regiment killed V.N Tiwari an M.P. In April of 1984 the Dasmesh Regiment set fire to 37 railway stations in Punjab and sabotaged communication. In May 1984 Dasmesh Regiment claimed credit for killing Ramesh Chander an editor for Hind Samacher. Dasmesh Regiment was blamed for the Air India 182 flight bombing. Bagri a suspect in the bombing refuted this and said, “We did this.” In April 1986 the regiment killed a senior leader of Rajiv Gandhi’s administration. On October 2 1986 Dashmesh Regiment attempted to assassinate Rajiv Gandhi. Operation Vadhi Pahar was launched to capture or kill the Dashmesh Regiment, more specifically its leader Seetal Singh Mattewal. Units from the Indian Army, National Security Guard, Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force, and Punjab Police would take part in the Operation. A fierce battle occurred at Bolowali. There were only 5 members of Dashmesh Regiment while there were 12,000 security forces. The militants had an advantage as they were on a hill. Seetal Singh used a Dragnov Rifle in the battle. The other members had AK-47s and one had a GPM rifle. After heavy casualties the Indian commanders authorised the use of motor shells and bombs. After this still failed to subdue the Seetal Singh and his men the Indian forces used bulletproof tractors. Seetal Singh and the other four militants repulsed the bulletproof tractors. The forces used chemical bombs, but they were also ineffective. After 48 hours of fighting the militants were eventually killed with Seetal Singh putting on a bold last stand. In 2016 Dashmesh Regiment claimed responsibility for the killing of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) deputy chief retired Brigadier R.S. Gagneja. They claimed responsibility over an email, but the authenticity of the claim is disputed. In 2016 Dashmesh Regiment claimed responsibility for killing Shiv Sena leader Durga Prasad Gupta. Authenticity of the claim is disputed.