42nd anniversary of Operation Blue Star, the Indian Army’s mission to purge extremist elements from the region The Golden Temple in Amritsar in 1984 saw pro-Khalistan slogans being raised inside the premises of the holiest Sikh shrine on Saturday.
The demonstrators gathered in front of the Akal Takht, the highest temporal and spiritual seat of Sikhism, and also carried posters depicting Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the man said to have led Sikh extremists inside the building in 1984.
June 6 is the death anniversary of Bhindiranawale, who was the president of Damdami Taksal, an orthodox Sikh educational organization and seminary founded by the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, at the time of his death in 1984.
the Punjab Police has established a comprehensive security network across Amritsar and its surrounding areas to maintain security, law and order ahead of the event.
Special Director General of Police (Law and Order) Praveen Kumar Sinha visited the district on June 4 to review the deployment of forces and confirmed that nearly 4,000 police personnel have been deployed to ensure a peaceful atmosphere.
A comprehensive security network around Punjab
Speaking to reporters during his visit to Amritsar, SDGP Praveen Kumar Sinha said, “The anniversary of Operation Blue Star is on June 6; in connection with this, several programs and events are being implemented, creating a heightened and sensitive security environment. In this context, we have created a comprehensive security network across Punjab, specifically in Amritsar and its surrounding areas,” ANI reported.
Sinha confirmed that five companies of the Central Armed Police Forces were stationed within the city limits to reinforce the existing police presence.
Regarding the total forces stationed in the city, the Special DG also said: “We held extensive meetings yesterday and today; we also visited the field to inspect the deployment of forces… About 4,000 police personnel have been deployed. We have brought in 2,000 policemen and 30 officers from outside the district, while another 2,000 personnel from the Amritsar District Police Force are also stationed here and remain on high alert. In addition, within the city of Amritsar, we have deployed 5 companies of the Amritsar District Police Force “CAPF.”
Operation Blue Star
June 6, 1984 marked the day when the Indian Army succumbed to defeat Operation Blue Star, stormed the Golden Temple on the orders of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to contain Sikh militancy under Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale in Punjab.
It was reported that Bhindranwale had stored large quantities of weapons in the Golden Temple premises. He and his armed followers were killed during the operation. This measure was strongly criticized.
Months later, Indira Gandhi was assassinated by two of her Sikh bodyguards, Beant Singh and Satwant Singh, at her New Delhi residence on October 31, 1984.
