Operation Bluestar anniversary observed amid tight security, pro-Khalistan slogans

Radical outfits had given a call for bandh on the day. The police had, over the last week, detained many leaders of radical parties, including the “jathedars” appointed by the “Sarbat Khalsa” held last year.

On Monday, the state had deployed heavy security around the Golden Temple premises to prevent any untoward incident. Despite the arrangements, however, the customary speech of Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh was interrupted several times by hardliners. SAD (Amritsar) chief Simranjit Singh Mann walked out of the Akal Takht during the speech.

SAD MPs Balsinder Singh Bhunder, Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, MLA Virsa Singh Valtoha, Harmeet Singh Sandu, Amarpal Singh Boni, Ravinder Singh Brahmpura and Cabinet Minister Gulzar Singh Ranike were present at the ceremony that began around 6.15am.

SAD MLA Ravinder Singh Brahmpura being escorted out of the complex Rana Simranjit Singh

Around 7.45am, when the jathedar rose to speak to the community, the hardliners in the gathering started raising pro-Khalistan slogans. Even as Akalis were present to “contain” hardliners from “disturbing” the ceremony, many of the workers began leaving the venue. Soon, many people managed to jump over the barricade that surrounded the Akal Takht.

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Bhunder, Sandhu and Valtoha exchanged some heated words with those who raised slogans. The jathedar, meanwhile, concluded his speech amid slogans and was escorted from the rear door to avoid any confrontation with hardliners.

“The presence of the Akali leadership and workers was not part of any design,” maintained Valtoha. “Even deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal used to attend the anniversary some years ago but he and other leaders stopped coming due to increasing nuisance over the years during the function.”

He said there should be no objections to the presence of Akali workers at the event. “There has been no report of any disturbance by Akali workers. No one should violate the sanctity of the Akal Takht.” Ishar refuses honour from Jathedar Ishar Singh Khalsa, son of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, refused to accept a siropa (traditional robe of honour) from the Akal Takht Jathedar, but accepted it when SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar offered it.