Tensions rise ahed of Ghallughara Diwas amid heavy security in Amritsar

Today is the second day of the 41st anniversary of Operation Blue Star in Amritsar, Punjab. On behalf of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, today, Monday, the darshan of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Swaroop, which was injured on 2 June 1984, was organised at Gurudwara Baba Gurbakhsh Singh of the Golden Temple.

Jalandhar, June 2: Today is the second day of the 41st anniversary of Operation Blue Star in Amritsar, Punjab. On behalf of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, today, Monday, the darshan of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Swaroop, which was injured on 2 June 1984, was organised at Gurudwara Baba Gurbakhsh Singh of the Golden Temple. During this, the bullet which shattered the Swaroop was also displayed.

SGPC displays these forms every year from 2 to 6 June to remind the Sikh community of the tragedy and to remember those killed in the Golden Temple. The last day of the Ghalukara week being celebrated by the SGPC on the orders of Sri Akal Takht Sahib will be on 6 June. To prevent any untoward incident, the Punjab Police administration has deployed about 6 thousand security personnel.

Protest against Damdami Taksal continues

There is a possibility of a clash between SGPC and Damdami Taksal on the occasion of Ghalughara Day on June 6. Damdami Taksal Mukhi Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa has warned SGPC that if Sri Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gadgaj sends a message to the community or honours the families of martyrs on that day, it will be opposed.

After which today SGPC chief Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami himself will go to Mehta to meet Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa. He will try to calm down the situation that is arising regarding June 6.

Outline of the programs

  • On behalf of SGPC, Akhand Paath will be started at Sri Akal Takht Sahib on June 4, which will end on June 6. On the same day, the families of those killed in the Golden Temple will be honored.

  • Separate programmes will also be organised by Damdami Taksal at Gurdwara Gurdarshan Prakash, Chowk Mehta.

  • Dal Khalsa has announced to take out “Ghallughara March” on the evening of June 5, which will pass through various markets of the city and culminate at Sri Akal Takht.

Security agencies on alert

In view of the situation arising between SGPC and Damdami Taksal regarding Ghalughara Diwas, the Punjab government and security agencies are also on alert. If a situation of conflict arises, the government will prepare in advance to maintain security and peace. About 6000 policemen will be deployed, which will also include Punjab Armed Police personnel.

Checkpoints will be set up at 62 places in Amritsar. Out of these, 14 checkpoints will be around the Golden Temple and on the roads. 20 checkpoints will be inside the city, 10 on the outskirts of the city and 10 on the main roads leading to the city. Police will be deployed 24 hours at 52 checkpoints. About 40 DSP and SP level officers will be on surveillance.