Uneasy calm prevails; safety tightened forward of thirty eighth anniversary of ‘Operation Bluestar’
Uneasy calm prevails; safety tightened forward of thirty eighth anniversary of ‘Operation Bluestar’
Members related to radical Sikh outfits and pro-Khalistan teams, together with Dal Khalsa, Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) amongst others held, what they termed a ‘freedom march’ within the metropolis on Sunday, a day forward of the thirty eighth anniversary of ‘Operation Bluestar’, whilst uneasy calm was palpable amongst residents.
The protesters, together with youth and the aged, carrying ‘Khalistan’ flags and placards, raised slogans in assist of independence, demanding a separate state for Sikhs — ‘Khalistan’, because the march began from the Bhai Veer Singh Memorial Hall on Lawrence Road. They hailed the sacrifice of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and declared to proceed their wrestle for ‘Khalistan’. A float with footage and portraits of broken ‘Akal Takhat’ and Sikh martyrs was displayed in the course of the march.
Tight safety has been supplied throughout the town with common flag marches being performed in a number of elements of the town, apart from intense checking being completed to keep up legislation and order.
“We are holding this march to reiterate our commitment to the struggle for independence, and to pay homage to the people who tasted martyrdom during the army attack,” mentioned one in every of collaborating members.
Dal Khalsa president Harpal Singh Cheema mentioned they have been endeavor a freedom parade to pay homage to Sikh heroes, who fought until their final breath. “We want to tell the Government of India that we have neither forgotten nor forgiven the perpetrators of the attack,” he mentioned. “The mission of the martyrs was to liberate Punjab from Indian domination. We are determined to pursue the mission to its logical conclusion using right to self determination,” mentioned Mr. Cheema.
It was on June 6, 1984, when the Army stormed the advanced of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar — Sikhism’s holiest shrine, to flush out extremists led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.
Locals involved
Raju Mahajan, working a juice nook, close to the Bhai Veer Singh Memorial Hall, is anxious this 12 months amid the current spate of incidents surrounding the ‘Khalistan’ connection, particularly within the wake of the conflict in Patiala, apart from the killing of Punjabi singer Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, referred to as Sidhu Moosewala, amongst different gangster-related crime incidents.
“For last many years, events are held on the anniversary of ‘Operation Bluestar’, but this year I am a little worried. I hope the events pass on peacefully. The killing of Moosewala and other incidents are a cause of concern, not for me but for everyone,” he mentioned.
Echoing comparable sentiments, Rajan, who’s into the garment enterprise, mentioned the best way the gangster-related incidents have been being reported within the State and in addition the conflict that occurred in Patiala throughout a pro-Kahlistan march was sure to provide jitters. “Our business has already started to suffer as tension is prevailing,” he mentioned.
During the day, the Commissioner of Police held a gathering with officers to make sure coordination in motion in opposition to anti-social components and upkeep of legislation and order within the metropolis.
“We have put in place a force of around 7,000 personnel, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and two of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) units across the city. For the march, 400 police personnel have been deputed to ensure law and order,” mentioned Deputy Commissioner of Police (legislation and order), Amritsar, Parminder Singh.
SGPC slams authorities
Meanwhile, the president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) — the physique accountable for the administration of Gurdwaras — Harjinder Singh condemned the State authorities for turning Amritsar metropolis right into a police cantonment.
“By doing so, the government is creating an atmosphere of fear while this day is very serious and painful for the Sikh Qaum [community]. Every year on Ghallughara Day, the Qaum congregates to commemorate its martyrs and therefore, the government should not present this occasion as fearsome,” mentioned Mr. Harjinder Singh.
The radical Sikh outfits have additionally known as for an ‘Amritsar shutdown’ on June 6 to mark the anniversary of ‘Operation Bluestar’. “On June 6, we have given a call for a shutdown in Amritsar. The shutdown call is for business establishments, traders, banking, petrol pumps, and educational institutions while there would be no stoppage of transportation,” mentioned Kanwar Pal Singh, spokesperson of Dal Khalsa.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday paid obeisance on the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple). The Chief Minister later had a gathering with the Jathedar of Akal Takht, the best Sikh temporal seat, Giani Harpreet Singh. “During the deliberations, they discussed the social and religious issues being confronted by the State. Besides, they also discussed the issues pertaining to more involvement of youth for putting the State on high growth trajectory,” mentioned an official assertion.
Source: www.thehindu.com
