Amritsar: Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj reiterated demands for changes to Punjab’s anti-sacrilege law, warning the state government against ignoring directives as Operation Blue Star anniversary events unfolded.
While delivering a customary address to mark the 42nd anniversary of the Indian military’s ‘Operation Blue Star’ from the Akal Takht podium, Jathedar Gargaj, without mentioning the specific “objectionable” clauses of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Satkaar (Amendment) Act, 2026, said the “black law” was again brought by the (state) government and it should be revoked immediately.
Amid heavy security build-up, the anniversary was observed with the gathering of a large number of radicals and sympathisers, displaying posters of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who was killed during the military operation, and amid pro-Khalistan slogans.
They started gathering ahead of dawn in the Golden Temple here, but the meeting largely passed off peacefully.
The Jathedar also talked about the Central government’s “black laws” that were later revoked.
The three “black laws”, known as the 2020 agricultural acts, were repealed following a vote in the Parliament on November 29, 2021.
The Jathedar said Punjab “remains the homeland of Sikhs” and urged the Sikh diaspora to maintain connect with their homeland.
He asked them to bring their generations to Sri Harmandir Sahib and appealed to people not to sell their land in Punjab, despite settling anywhere.
The observance of the day began with the “bhog” of an Akhand Path at the Akal Takht, followed by Gurbani Kirtan as part of remembrance.
Large numbers of devotees started converging at the Golden Temple complex before dawn.
Operation Blue Star was an Indian Army operation carried out from June 1-8, 1984, to remove Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and armed militants from the Golden Temple complex — the holiest site of Sikhism, in Amritsar, Punjab. The Operation was ordered by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Operation Blue Star claimed several lives on both sides and left the shrine and complex damaged.
An exhibition showcasing photos from Operation Blue Star and the damage to the Golden Temple was exhibited in the complex.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) said the purpose of the exhibition was to educate people about the military action.
Ahead of the Operation Blue Star anniversary, radical outfit Dal Khalsa had announced a shutdown and a ‘Ghallughara March’ in Amritsar. Security agencies had heightened vigilance, anticipating potential unrest.
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–IANS
