Chhina, Achhar Singh

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'''Achhar Singh Chhina''' (1899-1981), was an [[India]]n [[communist]] [[politician]] and activist for independence from [[British Raj|British rule]]. He served as a [[Communist Party of India]] [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|MLA]] in the Punjab Legislative Assembly for two terms. In 1962, he ran for the position of Member Parliament (MP) from Taran Taran, losing by 1600 votes.  
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'''Achhar Singh Chhina''' (1899-1981), was an [[India]]n [[communist]] [[politician]] and activist for independence from [[British Raj|British rule]]. His active role in the Communist Party began at [[Khalsa College]], [[Amritsar]] where he networked with other future leaders including [[Pratap Singh Kairon]]. He studied at the [[University of Berkeley]], working for Indian independence from the British Raj in the [[United States of America]] and [[Canada]] until 1931 when he studied in [[Russia]]. He returned to [[Lahore]], India in 1936. Chhina became embroiled in the [[Fatehwal Murder Case]] (1938-1939), gaining acquittal.
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From 1942, Chhina played an active leadership role in the [[Communist Party of India]], spearheading international efforts and presiding over the [[Punjab Kisan Sabha]]. He served as a Communist Party of India [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|Member of the Legislative Assembly]] in the Punjab Legislative Assembly for two terms. Following [[Indian Independence]] from British rule in 1948, Chhina continued working in the then underground communist party in India, spending time in jail. He was released and in 1957 he won a seat to the [[Punjab Legislative Assembly]], holding that position until 1962. In 1962, he stood for election to become a Member of Parliament (MP) from [[Taran Taran]], losing by 1600 votes. Although Chhina's choice of [[Communism|communist ideology]] had been misguided, his intentions left the legacy of a patriot who lived to make [[India]] a better county for all.
  
 
== Early life ==
 
== Early life ==
Born at village [[Harsha Chhina]], [[Tehsil Ajnala]], [[Amritsar]], [[Punjab (British India)|Punjab]], [[India]], in 1899, Achhar Singh Chhina completed studies at [[Khalsa College]], [[Amritsar]]. He played an active role in college politics along with [[Pratap Singh Kairon]], later the [[Chief Minister of Punjab]]. In 1920-1921, the students and teachers of the Khalsa College registered their protest against the British rule by boycotting the visit of the [[Prince of Wales]] to the college.  
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Born at village [[Harsha Chhina]], [[Tehsil Ajnala]], [[Amritsar]], [[Punjab (British India)|Punjab]], [[India]], in 1899, Achhar Singh Chhina completed studies at [[Khalsa College]], Amritsar. He played an active role in college politics along with [[Pratap Singh Kairon]], later the [[Chief Minister of Punjab]]. In 1920-1921, the students and teachers of the Khalsa College registered their protest against the British rule by boycotting the visit of the [[Prince of Wales]] to the college.  
  
In 1921, Chhina and [[Pratap Singh Kairon]] went to the [[USA]] for further studies. Both entered [[Berkeley University]], [[California]] Masters in Economics program. The same year he joined the [[Ghadar Party]] in [[San Francisco]], an organization of Indians in the USA and Canada dedicated to wining independence from the [[British Raj]]. He gained valuable experience with participating in political organizations in the Ghadar Party.
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In 1921, Chhina and [[Pratap Singh Kairon]] went to the [[USA]] for further studies. Both entered [[Berkeley University]], [[California]] Masters in Economics program. The same year he joined the [[Ghadar Party]] in [[San Francisco]], an organization of Indians in the USA and Canada dedicated to winning independence from the [[British Raj]]. He gained valuable experience with participating in political organizations in the Ghadar Party.
  
 
== Political career ==
 
== Political career ==
 
In 1932, Chhina departed the [[United States of America|USA]] and went to the [[Soviet Union|USSR]] for studies in [[communism]]. He returned to India in 1936, the British arresting him in [[Lahore]] the same year, detaining him in [[Lahore Fort]] for two months.
 
In 1932, Chhina departed the [[United States of America|USA]] and went to the [[Soviet Union|USSR]] for studies in [[communism]]. He returned to India in 1936, the British arresting him in [[Lahore]] the same year, detaining him in [[Lahore Fort]] for two months.
  
=== [[Fatehwal Murder Case 1938-39]] ===
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=== Fatehwal Murder Case 1938-1939 ===
In 1937, [[British Raj|British Government]] refused Achhar Singh Chhina permission to travel outside his home village for one year. In March 1938, on completion of his village confinment period, the communist party organized a conference at [[Fatehwal]] village [[Amritsar]], designating Chhina and [[Mohan Singh Batth]] as chairpersons. During the conference, attendees murdered two people whom they suspected of spying for police. Police arrested Chhina and [[Joginder Singh Chhina]], along with other forty seven persons, under section 302 IPC,<ref>[http://www.vakilno1.com/bareacts/IndianPenalCode/S302.htm Indian Penal Code. ''Whoever commits murder shall be punished with death, or imprisonment for life and shall also be liable to fine''.]</ref> charging them with murder.
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In 1937, [[British Raj|British Government]] refused Achhar Singh Chhina permission to travel outside his home village for one year. In March 1938, on completion of his village confinement period, the communist party organized a conference at [[Fatehwal]] village [[Amritsar]], designating Chhina and [[Mohan Singh Batth]] as chairpersons. During the conference, attendees murdered two people whom they suspected of spying for police. Police arrested Chhina and [[Joginder Singh Chhina]], along with 47 other persons, under section 302 IPC, charging them with [[murder]].<ref>[https://indiankanoon.org/doc/1560742/ Section 302 in The Indian Penal Code] Retrieved February 16, 2020.</ref>  
  
The case attracted national attention, the communist party establishing a legal team to defend those arrested. [[Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru]] and [[Saifud-din Kichlu]] headed the team, Kichlu representing the defendants as their chief advocate. Police had coerced [[Ram Lal]], a police constable, to give a false statement at the time of murder, fingering Achhar Singh Chhina as the main person to attack and kill the victims. Lal refused to give that statement in the court.<ref>Fauja Singh, Chaman Lal Datta, Bakhshish Singh, Punjabi University Dept. of Punjab Historical Studies - ''Who's who: Punjab Freedom Fighters - Biography & Autobiography'' (1991), p. 342.</ref> The judges found Achhar Singh Chhina not guilty on all counts while sentencing Joginder Singh Chhina to twenty years. Chhina went underground as a result of police efforts to seeks ways to rearrest him following the [[Fathehwall Murder Case]]. <ref>Mihir Bose, ''Raj, Secrets, Revolution: A Life of Subhas Chandra Bose (India)'' (2004), p. 175.</ref>
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The case attracted national attention, the communist party establishing a legal team to defend those arrested. [[Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru]] and [[Saifud-din Kichlu]] headed the team, Kichlu representing the defendants as their chief advocate. Police had coerced [[Ram Lal]], a police constable, to give a false statement that at the time of murder Achhar Singh Chhina was the main person to attack and kill the victims. Lal refused to give that statement in the court. The judges found Achhar Singh Chhina "not guilty" on all counts while sentencing Joginder Singh Chhina to 20 years. Chhina went underground as a result of police efforts to seek ways to rearrest him following the [[Fathehwall Murder Case]].<ref>Mihir Bose, ''Raj, secrets, revolution: a life of Subhas Chandra Bose'' (Norwich: Grice Chapman, 2004, ISBN 9780954572648), 175.</ref>
  
=== Netaji and Chhina's first meeting at Calcutta ===
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=== Subash Chandra Bose (Netaji)===
Subash Chandra Bose, known by the popular name "[[Netaji]]" or "Respected Leader," first met Achhar Singh Chhina in April 1939 when [[Subhas Chandra Bose|Netaji]] visited the [[Gaya]] district while Chhina hide from the police. [[Subhas Chandra Bose|Netaji]] advised, Chhina to remain underground, as police where anxious to arrest him on false charges.
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Subash Chandra Bose, known by the popular name "[[Netaji]]" or "Respected Leader," first met Achhar Singh Chhina in April 1939 when Netaji visited the [[Gaya]] district where Chhina was hiding from the police. Netaji advised Chhina to remain underground, as the police were anxious to arrest him on false charges.
  
In early June 1940, Bose set up a meeting between [[Niranjan Singh Talib]], a well-known [[freedom fighter]], and Chhina.  
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====Niranjan Singh Talib====
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[[Subhas Chandra Bose|Netaji]] took an interest in Chhina, viewing him as a leader for the budding communist movement and for the independence movement in India. Netaji initiated a series of moves meant to raise Chhina into a prominent leading role. In one of his first moves, Netaji arranged a meeting between [[Niranjan Singh Talib]], a well-known [[freedom fighter]], and Chhina in early June 1940. Next, during Chhina's visit to Calcutta, Netaji encouraged Chhina to travel to the [[Soviet Union]] with him to meet [[Stalin]].<ref name=Fauja>Fauja Singh (ed.), ''Eminent Freedom Fighters of Punjab'' (Patiala: Punjabi University, 1972).</ref> Chhina accepted the offer, traveling to the [[Frontier Province]] to make arrangements for their illegal trip.  
  
Achhar Singh Chhina visited [[Calcutta]] and met Bose <ref> Fauja Singh, ''Eminent Freedom Fighters of Punjab''(Punjab: India, 1972), p. 59.</ref>. He encouraged Chhina to go to the Soviet Union to meet [[Stalin]]. Achhar Singh Chhina visited the [[Frontier Province]] to make arrangements for his escape to [[Russia]].  
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====Trip to the Soviet Union====
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While in the [[Frontier Province]] Chhina met [[Bhagat Ram Talwar]] who made arrangements for [[Subhas Chandra Bose|Netaji]] and his lodging in Peshawar as well as the logistics necessary for their underground trip to [[Kabul]].<ref>Bhagat Ram Talwar, ''The Talwars of Pathan Land and Subhas Chandra's Great Escape'' (New Delhi: People's Pub. House, 1976), 184. </ref> Their plans were thwarted when police arrested Netaji on charges stemming from the [[Black Hole of Calcutta Movement]] in 1940 before he could travel to Peshawar.<ref>Sisir Kumar, ''Netaji and India's Freedom''  Proceedings of the International Netaji Seminar (India) (1975), 153.</ref>. Chhina decided to make the trip alone in 1940, crossing the [[Hindukush Mountains]] on foot through [[Kabul]] to the [[Soviet Union]] to discuss Indian independence with top Soviet leaders.<ref name=Fauja/>
  
There he met [[Bhagat Ram Talwar]] who helped him make arrangements for his stay with Bose in Peshawar and preparations for his escape to [[Kabul]]<ref>Bhagat Ram Talwar, ''The Talwars of Pathan Land and Subhas Chandra's Great Escape (India)'' (1976), p. 184. </ref>.  
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=== Communist Party International ===
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In 1942, the [[Communist Party of India]] (CPI) officially opposed the [[Quit India movement]]. Chhina (known as ‘[[Larkin]]’ in Soviet Union) actively participated in international intrigue. He worked closely with CPI to develop directives, carrying those directives from the Soviet Union to India with the full knowledge of the British authorities.<ref>Fauja Singh, Chaman Lal Datta, and Bakhshish Singh, ''Who's who: Punjab Freedom Fighters'' (Patiala: Punjabi University, 1991), 5.</ref> While crossing the [[Hindukush]], the British authorities at [[Gilgit]] arrested him, transporting him to [[Lahore]] for detention in [[Lahore Fort]]. After four months in Lahore Fort, the British transferred him to the Campbellpore Jail from where he was released on  May 1, 1942.<ref name=Fauja/>
  
After making necessary arrangements, Bose returned to Calcutta to bring Netaji to [[Peshawar]], but [[Bose]] was arrested for taking part in [[Black Hole of Calcutta Movement]] in 1940 and consequently could not avail himself of the opportunity<ref>Sisir Kumar, ''Netaji and India's Freedom: Proceedings of the International Netaji Seminar (India)'' (1975), p. 153.</ref>.
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===Leadership positions 1942-1947 ===
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'''President of the Punjab Kisan Sabha'''. In 1942, Chhina was elected as President of the [[All India Kisan Sabha]] - [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]] association, holding that position for seven years, until 1949. He also held the post of Secretary of the Punjab [[Communist Party]].  
  
But Achhar Singh Chhina himself utilized the opportunity and went to the [[Soviet Union]] in 1940 by crossing the Hindukush Mountains on foot through Kabul and discussed the possibility of Independence with top Soviet Leaders<ref>Fauja Singh, ''Eminent Freedom Fighters of Punjab'' (Punjab: India, 1972), p. 60. </ref>.
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'''Harsha Chhina Mogha Morcha'''. While President of the Punjab Kisan Sabah, he organized the [[Harsha Chhina Moga Morcha]] in 1946 with the support of the Communist party. Acchar Singh Chhina, [[Sohan Singh Josh]], [[Purran Singh]], [[Mohan Singh Batth]], [[Jagbir Singh Chhina]], and [[Gurdial Singh Dhillon]] organized the Morcha in opposition to the ruling party which resulted in the arrest of Achhar Singh Chhina, Sohan Singh Josh, and Gurdial Singh Dhillon along with 950 protestors, all detained in Lahore jail for three months.<ref>S. Gajrani, ''Peasant movement in Punjab'' (South Asia Books, 1987, ISBN 978-0836457964). </ref> Due to the activities of Harsha Chhina Mogha Morcha, discussion among the political parties in the Punjab government resulted in granting water to farmers for [[irrigation]].<ref>Mridula Mukherjee, ''Peasants in India's Non-violent Revolution: Practice and Theory'' (Sage Publications, 2004, ISBN 9780761996866).</ref>
  
== Achhar Singh Chhina and International Politics ==
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=== Activities after independence ===
In 1942. The CPI was officially against the Quit India movement. Achhar Singh Chhina [known as [[Larkin]]in Soviet Union] was actively involved in international politics. He worked closely with CPI to develop a directive of CPI, and carried that directive from the Soviet Union to India with the full knowledge of the British authorities.<ref>Fauja Singh and Chaman Lal Datta, ''Who's who: Punjab Freedom Fighters'' (Punjab: India, 1991), p. 5.</ref>
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In 1948, after [[India]]n [[independence]], Chhina went underground until found and arrested by the Republic of India in 1950, detaining him in [[Ambala]] jail. While he was in jail, he was elected from [[Ajnala, India|Ajnala]] as a member of the [[Punjab Legislative Assembly]] (MLA) in 1952. In 1957, he was again elected from Ajnala as a member of the Punjab Legislative Assembly (MLA) and remained its member till 1962. He was a founder of Naveen Janta Public school, which the Punjab Government took over later, renaming it ''Comrade Achhar Singh Chhina Senior Secondary School.''
  
While crossing the [[Hindukush]] he was arrested by British government at [[Gilgit]] and was brought back to [[Lahore]] where he was locked up in [[Lahore Fort]] Cell. After staying for 4 months in Lahore Fort, he was transferred to the Campbell pore Jail from where he was released on 1st May 1942.
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====Positions held====
  
== President of the Punjab Kisan Sabha ==
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* President of the Kisan Sabha Punjab
In 1942 he was elected as President of the [[All India Kisan Sabha]] - [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]] and held this position for seven years. It was in that capacity that he organized the Harsha Chhina Moga Morcha in 1946, as a result of which he was detained in Lahore jail for three months <ref>Mridula, ''Peasants in India's Non-Violent Revolution: Practice and Theory'' (2004), p. 227.</ref>. He also held a post of Secretary of the Punjab [[Communist Party]].
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* Secretary of the Punjab Communist Party
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* Member Punjab Legislative Assembly - Ajnala (1952-1956
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* Member of the Legislative assembly - Ajnala (1956-1962)
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* Member of the Ghadar Party Martyrs Memorial (Desh Bhagat Yaadgar), Punjab
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* Member Gadhar Party San Francisco (1922)
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* Founder of Naveen Vidhya Mandir, School
  
== Harsha Chhina Mogha Morcha 1946-47 ==
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==Legacy==
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[[Image:Monument Comrade Achhar Singh Chhina.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Monument for Achhar Singh Chhina]]
  
In 1946, under the leadership of the Communist party 'Mogha Morcha of Harsha
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The idea of [[communism]] has had a very strong appeal to some [[India]]ns. During the [[Cold War]], the [[USSR]] sought to cultivate the [[Communist Party of India]] with the intention of bringing India fully into the communist block of nations. Achhar Singh Chhina played a central role in working with [[Russia]] to achieve that objective. Curiously, Chhina was close with both the [[USA]] and Russia during the 1920s and 1930s. He had an opportunity to see the uncensored workings of both the American Republic and the Soviet totalitarian empire. In spite of Chhina's experience, he continued with unabated zeal to promote communism in India.  
Chhina' was launched. Comrade Acchar Singh Chhina, Sohan Singh Josh, Purran Singh, Mohan Singh Batth, Jagbir singh Chhina, and Gurdial Singh Dhillon organised this Morcha against the ruling party, as a result of which Comrade Achhar Singh Chhina, Sohan Singh Josh and Gurdial Singh Dhillon was arrested along with 950 protestors and detained in Lahore jail for three months. <ref>S. Gajrani, ''Peasant Movement in Punjab'', p. 33 </ref> <ref>S. Gajrani, ''Peasant uprisings'' (1987), p. 120. </ref>
 
  
Due to this movement, all political parties negotiated with the ruling government to give farming water to the agriculturalists as per the agreement. <ref> ''Peasants in India's Non-violent Revolution: Practice and Theory'', p. 567.</ref> <ref>Mridula Mukherjee, ''History'' (2004), p. 577.</ref>
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[[India]], like the [[United States]], proved a difficult environment to promote [[Communism|communism]]. Still, India's [[Caste System|caste society]], and the grinding poverty of the post-[[Indian National Congress|Independence India]], proved openings that the communists could exploit. Singh worked actively, and unsuccessfully, to that end. Chhina had the best of intentions to help India. In the end, with the demise of world wide communism beginning with the fall of the [[Berlin Wall]] in 1989, his work to promote communism in India bore no fruit. Although his choice of communist ideology had been misguided, his intentions left the legacy of a patriot who strove to make India a better county.
 
 
== After Independence ==
 
 
 
In 1948 after [[India]] [[independence]] he went underground but was arrested in 1950 and detained in [[Ambala]] jail. While he was in jail, he was elected from [[Ajnala, India|Ajnala]] as a member of the [[Punjab Legislative Assembly]] (MLA) in 1952. In 1957 he was again elected from Ajnala as a member of the Punjab Legislative Assembly (MLA) and remained its member till 1962<ref>Hari Singh, ''Agrarian Scene in British Punjab''(Punjab: India, 1984), p. 332.</ref>. He was a founder of ‘Naveen Janta Public school’ which was taken over by the Punjab Government later and the name of the school was changed to “Comrade Achhar Singh Chhina Senior Secondary School.
 
 
 
==Positions held==
 
[[Image:Monument Comrade Achhar Singh Chhina.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Monument for Achhar Singh Chhina]]
 
 
 
1. President of the Kisan Sabha Punjab<br />
 
2. Secretary of the Punjab Communist Party<br />
 
3. Member Punjab Legislative Assembly - Ajnala (1952-1956)<br />
 
4. Member of the Legislative assembly - Ajnala (1956-1962)<br />
 
5. Member of the Ghadar Party Martyrs Memorial (Desh Bhagat Yaadgar), Punjab <br />
 
6. Member Gadhar Party San Francisco (1922)<br />
 
7. Founder of Naveen Vidhya Mandir, School
 
 
 
==See also==
 
* [[Partition of India]]
 
* [[Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles and Fundamental Duties of India]]
 
* [[Caste system in India]]
 
* [[Flag of India]]
 
* [[Political integration of India]]
 
* [[Fundamental Rights in India]]
 
* [[Communism]]
 
* [[Quit India Movement]]
 
* [[Communist Party of India]]
 
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
{{reflist}}
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<references/>
  
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
* Bose, Mihir. 1982. ''The lost hero: a biography of Subhas Bose''. London: Quartet Books. ISBN 9780704323018.
+
* Bose, Mihir. ''The Lost Hero: A Biography of Subhas Bose.'' London: Quartet Books,  1982. ISBN 9780704323018
* Bose, Mihir. 2004. Raj, secrets, revolution: a life of Subhas Chandra Bose. Norwich: Grice Chapman. ISBN 9780954572648.
+
* Bose, Mihir. ''Raj, Secrets, Revolution: A Life of Subhas Chandra Bose.'' Norwich: Grice Chapman, 2004. ISBN 9780954572648
* Chandra, Bipan. 1983. ''The Indian left: critical appraisals''. New Delhi: Vikas. ISBN 9780706921038.
+
* Chandra, Bipan. ''The Indian Left: Critical Appraisals.'' New Delhi: Vikas, 1983. ISBN 9780706921038
* Fauja Singh, C. L. Datta, and Bakhshish Singh. 1972. ''Who's who: Punjab freedom fighters.'' Patiala: Dept. of Punjab Historical Studies, Punjabi University. OCLC 724163.
+
* Gajrani, S. ''Peasant movement in Punjab.'' South Asia Books, 1987. ISBN 978-0836457964
* Gajrani, S. 1987. Peasant movement in Punjab. Delhi: Anmol Publications. OCLC 16706374.
+
* Grover, Verinder. ''Political system in India.'' New Delhi: Deep & Deep Publications, 1989. ISBN 9788171001262.
* Grover, Verinder. 1989. ''Political system in India''. New Delhi: Deep & Deep Publications. ISBN 9788171001262.
+
* Josh, Bhagwan. ''Communist Movement in Punjab: (1926-47).'' Lahore: Book Traders,  1974. {{OCLC|85190394}}
* Hari Singh. 1983. Agrarian scene in British Punjab. New Delhi: People's Pub. House. OCLC 10823960.
+
* Josh, Sohan Singh. ''Hindustan Gadar Party: A Short History.'' New Delhi: People's Pub. House, 1977. {{OCLC|5287232}}
* International Netaji Seminar, and Sisir Kumar Bose. 1975. Netaji and India's freedom: proceedings of the International Netaji Seminar, 1973. Calcutta: Netaji Research Bureau. OCLC 2542159.
+
* Josh, Sohan Singh. ''My Tryst with Secularism: An Autobiography.'' New Delhi: Patriot Publishers, 1991. ISBN 9788170501275
* Josh, Bhagwan. 1974. ''Communist movement in Punjab: (1926-47)''. Lahore: Book Traders. OCLC 85190394.
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* Kumar, Sisir. ''Netaji and India's Freedom''. Proceedings of the International Netaji Seminar (India), 1975.
* Josh, Sohan Singh. 1977. ''Hindustan Gadar Party: a short history''. New Delhi: People's Pub. House. OCLC 5287232.
+
* Mangat, Gurbachan Singh. ''The Tiger Strikes: An Unwritten Chapter of Netaji's Life History.'' Ludhiana: Gagan Publishers, 1986. {{OCLC|14378940}}
* Josh, Sohan Singh. 1991. ''My tryst with secularism: an autobiography''. New Delhi: Patriot Publishers. ISBN 9788170501275.
+
* Markandeya, Subodh. ''Subhas Chandra Bose: Netaji's Passage to Immortality.'' Bangalore: Arnold Publishers, 1990. ISBN 9788170312413
* Mangat, Gurbachan Singh. 1986. ''The tiger strikes: an unwritten chapter of Netaji's life history''. Ludhiana: Gagan Publishers. OCLC 14378940.
+
* Mukherjee, Mridula. ''Peasants in India's Non-violent Revolution: Practice and Theory.'' (Sage series in modern Indian history, 5.) New Delhi: Sage Publications, 2004. ISBN 9780761996866
* Markandeya, Subodh. 1990. ''Subhas Chandra Bose: Netaji's passage to im[m]ortality''. Bangalore: Arnold Publishers. ISBN 9788170312413.
+
* Sen Gupta, S.C. ''India Wrests Freedom.'' Calcutta: Sahitya Samsad, 1982. {{OCLC|9244520}}
* Mukherjee, Mridula. 2004. ''Peasants in India's non-violent revolution: practice and theory''. Sage series in modern Indian history, 5. New Delhi: Sage Publications. ISBN 9780761996866.
+
* Singh, Fauja (ed.). ''Eminent Freedom Fighters of Punjab.'' Patiala: Punjabi University, Dept. of Punjab Historical Studies, 1972. {{OCLC|701554}}
* Sen Gupta, S. C. 1982. ''India wrests freedom''. Calcutta: Sahitya Samsad. OCLC 9244520.
+
* Singh, Fauja, C. L. Datta, and Bakhshish Singh. ''Who's Who: Punjab Freedom Fighters.'' Patiala: Dept. of Punjab Historical Studies, Punjabi University, 1972. {{OCLC|724163}}
 +
* Singh, Hari. ''Agrarian Scene in British Punjab (Volume One).'' New Delhi: Peoples Publishing House, 1984.
 +
*Talwar, Bhagat Ram. ''The Talwars of Pathan Land and Subhas Chandra's Great Escape.'' New Delhi: People's Pub. House, 1976.
 +
 
  
==External Links==
 
Links retrieved November 23, 2008.
 
* [http://www.ghadarmemorial.net/memorialhall.htm Ghadar Party (History of Memorial Hall)]
 
* [http://toolbar.google.com/archivesearch?q=Achhar+Singh+Chhina&btnG=Search+Archives&hl=en&scoring=t Google News Archives Search]
 
  
  
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[[Category:Politicians and reformers]]
 
[[Category:History of India]]
 
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Latest revision as of 22:32, 16 February 2020

Achhar Singh Chhina
Comrade Achhar Singh Chhina.jpg
Achhar Singh Chhina
BornOctober 01 1899(1899-10-01)
Amritsar, Punjab, India
DiedMarch 21 1981 (aged 81)
Amritsar, Punjab, India
OccupationPolitician

Achhar Singh Chhina (1899-1981), was an Indian communist politician and activist for independence from British rule. His active role in the Communist Party began at Khalsa College, Amritsar where he networked with other future leaders including Pratap Singh Kairon. He studied at the University of Berkeley, working for Indian independence from the British Raj in the United States of America and Canada until 1931 when he studied in Russia. He returned to Lahore, India in 1936. Chhina became embroiled in the Fatehwal Murder Case (1938-1939), gaining acquittal.

From 1942, Chhina played an active leadership role in the Communist Party of India, spearheading international efforts and presiding over the Punjab Kisan Sabha. He served as a Communist Party of India Member of the Legislative Assembly in the Punjab Legislative Assembly for two terms. Following Indian Independence from British rule in 1948, Chhina continued working in the then underground communist party in India, spending time in jail. He was released and in 1957 he won a seat to the Punjab Legislative Assembly, holding that position until 1962. In 1962, he stood for election to become a Member of Parliament (MP) from Taran Taran, losing by 1600 votes. Although Chhina's choice of communist ideology had been misguided, his intentions left the legacy of a patriot who lived to make India a better county for all.

Early life

Born at village Harsha Chhina, Tehsil Ajnala, Amritsar, Punjab, India, in 1899, Achhar Singh Chhina completed studies at Khalsa College, Amritsar. He played an active role in college politics along with Pratap Singh Kairon, later the Chief Minister of Punjab. In 1920-1921, the students and teachers of the Khalsa College registered their protest against the British rule by boycotting the visit of the Prince of Wales to the college.

In 1921, Chhina and Pratap Singh Kairon went to the USA for further studies. Both entered Berkeley University, California Masters in Economics program. The same year he joined the Ghadar Party in San Francisco, an organization of Indians in the USA and Canada dedicated to winning independence from the British Raj. He gained valuable experience with participating in political organizations in the Ghadar Party.

Political career

In 1932, Chhina departed the USA and went to the USSR for studies in communism. He returned to India in 1936, the British arresting him in Lahore the same year, detaining him in Lahore Fort for two months.

Fatehwal Murder Case 1938-1939

In 1937, British Government refused Achhar Singh Chhina permission to travel outside his home village for one year. In March 1938, on completion of his village confinement period, the communist party organized a conference at Fatehwal village Amritsar, designating Chhina and Mohan Singh Batth as chairpersons. During the conference, attendees murdered two people whom they suspected of spying for police. Police arrested Chhina and Joginder Singh Chhina, along with 47 other persons, under section 302 IPC, charging them with murder.[1]

The case attracted national attention, the communist party establishing a legal team to defend those arrested. Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru and Saifud-din Kichlu headed the team, Kichlu representing the defendants as their chief advocate. Police had coerced Ram Lal, a police constable, to give a false statement that at the time of murder Achhar Singh Chhina was the main person to attack and kill the victims. Lal refused to give that statement in the court. The judges found Achhar Singh Chhina "not guilty" on all counts while sentencing Joginder Singh Chhina to 20 years. Chhina went underground as a result of police efforts to seek ways to rearrest him following the Fathehwall Murder Case.[2]

Subash Chandra Bose (Netaji)

Subash Chandra Bose, known by the popular name "Netaji" or "Respected Leader," first met Achhar Singh Chhina in April 1939 when Netaji visited the Gaya district where Chhina was hiding from the police. Netaji advised Chhina to remain underground, as the police were anxious to arrest him on false charges.

Niranjan Singh Talib

Netaji took an interest in Chhina, viewing him as a leader for the budding communist movement and for the independence movement in India. Netaji initiated a series of moves meant to raise Chhina into a prominent leading role. In one of his first moves, Netaji arranged a meeting between Niranjan Singh Talib, a well-known freedom fighter, and Chhina in early June 1940. Next, during Chhina's visit to Calcutta, Netaji encouraged Chhina to travel to the Soviet Union with him to meet Stalin.[3] Chhina accepted the offer, traveling to the Frontier Province to make arrangements for their illegal trip.

Trip to the Soviet Union

While in the Frontier Province Chhina met Bhagat Ram Talwar who made arrangements for Netaji and his lodging in Peshawar as well as the logistics necessary for their underground trip to Kabul.[4] Their plans were thwarted when police arrested Netaji on charges stemming from the Black Hole of Calcutta Movement in 1940 before he could travel to Peshawar.[5]. Chhina decided to make the trip alone in 1940, crossing the Hindukush Mountains on foot through Kabul to the Soviet Union to discuss Indian independence with top Soviet leaders.[3]

Communist Party International

In 1942, the Communist Party of India (CPI) officially opposed the Quit India movement. Chhina (known as ‘Larkin’ in Soviet Union) actively participated in international intrigue. He worked closely with CPI to develop directives, carrying those directives from the Soviet Union to India with the full knowledge of the British authorities.[6] While crossing the Hindukush, the British authorities at Gilgit arrested him, transporting him to Lahore for detention in Lahore Fort. After four months in Lahore Fort, the British transferred him to the Campbellpore Jail from where he was released on May 1, 1942.[3]

Leadership positions 1942-1947

President of the Punjab Kisan Sabha. In 1942, Chhina was elected as President of the All India Kisan Sabha - Punjab association, holding that position for seven years, until 1949. He also held the post of Secretary of the Punjab Communist Party.

Harsha Chhina Mogha Morcha. While President of the Punjab Kisan Sabah, he organized the Harsha Chhina Moga Morcha in 1946 with the support of the Communist party. Acchar Singh Chhina, Sohan Singh Josh, Purran Singh, Mohan Singh Batth, Jagbir Singh Chhina, and Gurdial Singh Dhillon organized the Morcha in opposition to the ruling party which resulted in the arrest of Achhar Singh Chhina, Sohan Singh Josh, and Gurdial Singh Dhillon along with 950 protestors, all detained in Lahore jail for three months.[7] Due to the activities of Harsha Chhina Mogha Morcha, discussion among the political parties in the Punjab government resulted in granting water to farmers for irrigation.[8]

Activities after independence

In 1948, after Indian independence, Chhina went underground until found and arrested by the Republic of India in 1950, detaining him in Ambala jail. While he was in jail, he was elected from Ajnala as a member of the Punjab Legislative Assembly (MLA) in 1952. In 1957, he was again elected from Ajnala as a member of the Punjab Legislative Assembly (MLA) and remained its member till 1962. He was a founder of Naveen Janta Public school, which the Punjab Government took over later, renaming it Comrade Achhar Singh Chhina Senior Secondary School.

Positions held

  • President of the Kisan Sabha Punjab
  • Secretary of the Punjab Communist Party
  • Member Punjab Legislative Assembly - Ajnala (1952-1956
  • Member of the Legislative assembly - Ajnala (1956-1962)
  • Member of the Ghadar Party Martyrs Memorial (Desh Bhagat Yaadgar), Punjab
  • Member Gadhar Party San Francisco (1922)
  • Founder of Naveen Vidhya Mandir, School

Legacy

Monument for Achhar Singh Chhina

The idea of communism has had a very strong appeal to some Indians. During the Cold War, the USSR sought to cultivate the Communist Party of India with the intention of bringing India fully into the communist block of nations. Achhar Singh Chhina played a central role in working with Russia to achieve that objective. Curiously, Chhina was close with both the USA and Russia during the 1920s and 1930s. He had an opportunity to see the uncensored workings of both the American Republic and the Soviet totalitarian empire. In spite of Chhina's experience, he continued with unabated zeal to promote communism in India.

India, like the United States, proved a difficult environment to promote communism. Still, India's caste society, and the grinding poverty of the post-Independence India, proved openings that the communists could exploit. Singh worked actively, and unsuccessfully, to that end. Chhina had the best of intentions to help India. In the end, with the demise of world wide communism beginning with the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, his work to promote communism in India bore no fruit. Although his choice of communist ideology had been misguided, his intentions left the legacy of a patriot who strove to make India a better county.

Notes

  1. Section 302 in The Indian Penal Code Retrieved February 16, 2020.
  2. Mihir Bose, Raj, secrets, revolution: a life of Subhas Chandra Bose (Norwich: Grice Chapman, 2004, ISBN 9780954572648), 175.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Fauja Singh (ed.), Eminent Freedom Fighters of Punjab (Patiala: Punjabi University, 1972).
  4. Bhagat Ram Talwar, The Talwars of Pathan Land and Subhas Chandra's Great Escape (New Delhi: People's Pub. House, 1976), 184.
  5. Sisir Kumar, Netaji and India's Freedom Proceedings of the International Netaji Seminar (India) (1975), 153.
  6. Fauja Singh, Chaman Lal Datta, and Bakhshish Singh, Who's who: Punjab Freedom Fighters (Patiala: Punjabi University, 1991), 5.
  7. S. Gajrani, Peasant movement in Punjab (South Asia Books, 1987, ISBN 978-0836457964).
  8. Mridula Mukherjee, Peasants in India's Non-violent Revolution: Practice and Theory (Sage Publications, 2004, ISBN 9780761996866).

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Bose, Mihir. The Lost Hero: A Biography of Subhas Bose. London: Quartet Books, 1982. ISBN 9780704323018
  • Bose, Mihir. Raj, Secrets, Revolution: A Life of Subhas Chandra Bose. Norwich: Grice Chapman, 2004. ISBN 9780954572648
  • Chandra, Bipan. The Indian Left: Critical Appraisals. New Delhi: Vikas, 1983. ISBN 9780706921038
  • Gajrani, S. Peasant movement in Punjab. South Asia Books, 1987. ISBN 978-0836457964
  • Grover, Verinder. Political system in India. New Delhi: Deep & Deep Publications, 1989. ISBN 9788171001262.
  • Josh, Bhagwan. Communist Movement in Punjab: (1926-47). Lahore: Book Traders, 1974. OCLC 85190394
  • Josh, Sohan Singh. Hindustan Gadar Party: A Short History. New Delhi: People's Pub. House, 1977. OCLC 5287232
  • Josh, Sohan Singh. My Tryst with Secularism: An Autobiography. New Delhi: Patriot Publishers, 1991. ISBN 9788170501275
  • Kumar, Sisir. Netaji and India's Freedom. Proceedings of the International Netaji Seminar (India), 1975.
  • Mangat, Gurbachan Singh. The Tiger Strikes: An Unwritten Chapter of Netaji's Life History. Ludhiana: Gagan Publishers, 1986. OCLC 14378940
  • Markandeya, Subodh. Subhas Chandra Bose: Netaji's Passage to Immortality. Bangalore: Arnold Publishers, 1990. ISBN 9788170312413
  • Mukherjee, Mridula. Peasants in India's Non-violent Revolution: Practice and Theory. (Sage series in modern Indian history, 5.) New Delhi: Sage Publications, 2004. ISBN 9780761996866
  • Sen Gupta, S.C. India Wrests Freedom. Calcutta: Sahitya Samsad, 1982. OCLC 9244520
  • Singh, Fauja (ed.). Eminent Freedom Fighters of Punjab. Patiala: Punjabi University, Dept. of Punjab Historical Studies, 1972. OCLC 701554
  • Singh, Fauja, C. L. Datta, and Bakhshish Singh. Who's Who: Punjab Freedom Fighters. Patiala: Dept. of Punjab Historical Studies, Punjabi University, 1972. OCLC 724163
  • Singh, Hari. Agrarian Scene in British Punjab (Volume One). New Delhi: Peoples Publishing House, 1984.
  • Talwar, Bhagat Ram. The Talwars of Pathan Land and Subhas Chandra's Great Escape. New Delhi: People's Pub. House, 1976.


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