Operation Blue Star anniversary: Pro-Khalistan sloganeering at Golden Temple
Followers of the extremist Sikh organizations raised pro-Khalistan slogans at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on the 38th anniversary of Operation Blue Star, PTI reported. Many youths had banners and placards with the words "Khalistan Zindabad" printed on them, it said. They wore t-shirts with an image of assassinated separatist leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale on them, the PTI report added.
Why does this story matter?
The offensive by Sikh leaders comes a day after Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann met with Akal Takht Jathedar Gyani Harpreet Singh behind closed doors. On Monday, following the ardas, Singh paid tribute to those who were killed in 1984. He also chastised the then-Congress administration for allowing troops into the Sikhs' holiest site. Later, protesters gathered outside the shrine with swords and Bhindranwale posters.
Premises near Akal Takht echoed with slogans, SAD too participated
According to reports, the marbled premises of the Golden Temple adjacent to Akal Takht, the Sikhs' supreme temporal seat, resonated with pro-Khalistan slogans. Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) activists headed by former MP Simranjit Singh Mann also participated in the protest program. To note, Operation Blue Star was a military operation conducted in 1984 to expel militants from the Golden Temple.
Watch the sloganeering video shared by ANI on Twitter
Section 144 imposed around Golden Temple
As per officials, Section 144 of the CrPC has been imposed around the Golden Temple and all weapons are prohibited. Despite this, more than a hundred men congregated outside following the morning prayer gathering. Takht Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh compared the then-Indian administration to the Mughals, prompting pro-Bhindranwale and Khalistan protests, as per a report by Mint.
Educate youth about rich Sikh beliefs, history: Akal Takht
In his message to the Sikh community on the occasion, Jathedar of Akal Takht Singh stated that Sikh preachers and academics must visit the border areas to promote Sikhism and educate the youth about the rich Sikh beliefs and history. He also spoke about the necessity to combat the scourge of the drug epidemic, which has plagued many young people.
SGPC organized several programs in Amritsar, elsewhere
On the occasion of the 38th anniversary of Operation Blue Star, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the main religious body of Sikhs, held a number of events in Amritsar and other locations. There is also a bullet-riddled holy "Saroop" (volume) of the Guru Granth Sahib on display. In the 1984 action, the "Saroop" was struck by a bullet.
