Saturday, March 29, 2025
Amritsar | June 6, 2025 – Tensions surfaced in Amritsar on the 41st anniversary of Operation Blue Star, as supporters of pro-Khalistan ideology raised slogans and waved posters of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale after a morning ardaas (prayer) at Akal Takht Sahib.
The remembrance began at 8 AM with prayers for those killed during the 1984 military operation. However, the atmosphere quickly turned charged as Khalistan Zindabad slogans echoed around the Akal Takht Secretariat, with dozens of individuals holding up Bhindranwale’s posters.
Simranjit Singh Mann, President of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), was present during the program. Upon his arrival, his supporters intensified the Khalistan slogans outside the Takht premises. A large crowd had gathered for the event, turning it into a high-alert situation for security forces.
In a significant development, Sarbat Khalsa’s acting jathedar, Bhai Dhian Singh Mand, was prevented from entering the Akal Takht. He strongly protested the move, further escalating tensions.
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami presided over the ceremony. As part of the commemoration, SGPC honored the families of those who died during the 1984 Operation Blue Star. Meanwhile, markets remained shut in respect of the solemn occasion, and heavy police deployment was seen across Amritsar to maintain law and order.
This year’s observance highlights the continued emotional and political significance of Operation Blue Star in Punjab. With leaders like Mann invoking separatist sentiments and posters of Bhindranwale surfacing publicly, the event underscored the complex intersection of faith, memory, and politics.
