The 41st anniversary of Operation Blue Star entered its second day today in Amritsar, with a solemn display by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)—Day Two of Operation Blue Star Anniversary Observed in Amritsar. On Monday, the SGPC presented the wounded Saroop (physical form) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, which was injured during the 2 June 1984 military operation, for public darshan (viewing) at Gurdwara Baba Gurbaksh Singh, located within the Golden Temple complex. The bullet that struck the sacred scripture was also exhibited.
The SGPC annually displays these sacred relics from June 2 to 6, to remind the Sikh community of the tragedy and to honour those who lost their lives in the Golden Temple during the 1984 operation.
According to orders from Sri Akal Takht Sahib, SGPC is observing “Ghallughara Week”, which will conclude on June 6. To prevent any untoward incidents, the Punjab Police has deployed around 6,000 security personnel across the city.
Ongoing Dissent from Damdami Taksal
Tensions are rising ahead of June 6, with a potential standoff looming between the SGPC and Damdami Taksal, a prominent Sikh seminary. The Taksal’s chief, Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa, has issued a stern warning to the SGPC: if the acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargarj, delivers a community address or honours martyr families on that day, it will face opposition from the Taksal.
In response to the warning, SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami is scheduled to personally visit Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa in Mehta today in an effort to de-escalate the situation and ensure peace during the 6 June events.
Schedule of Observances
- On June 4, the SGPC will begin a continuous Akhand Path (uninterrupted reading) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, which will conclude on June 6.
- On June 6, the SGPC also plans to honour families of those who were killed during the military operation in the Golden Temple.
- Damdami Taksal, meanwhile, will hold its own commemorative events at Gurdwara Gurdarshan Prakash, located at Chowk Mehta.
- Separately, Dal Khalsa, a Sikh organization, has announced a “Ghallughara March” on the evening of June 5. The procession will pass through various city markets and culminate at Sri Akal Takht.
Security Agencies on Alert
Given the strained relations between the SGPC and Damdami Taksal and the emotional intensity surrounding Ghallughara Day, the Punjab government and security agencies are on high alert. Contingency plans are in place to ensure peace and law and order, with approximately 6,000 police personnel to be deployed.
Security will be particularly tight around the Golden Temple and surrounding areas. Authorities will establish 62 police checkpoints in Amritsar, with:
- 14 checkpoints around and en route to the Golden Temple
- 20 within the city
- 10 on the outskirts
- 10 on main access routes into the city
Police presence will be maintained round-the-clock at 52 of these checkpoints, and around 40 senior officers of DSP and SP rank will oversee security operations. The Punjab Armed Police will also be part of the deployment.
As June 6 approaches, both security forces and the Sikh community remain on edge, with efforts underway to avoid any flare-up while paying homage to one of the most painful chapters in modern Sikh history.