Pro-Khalistani slogans raised in Golden Temple on 34th anniversary of Operation #BlueStar; security tightened
Chandigarh, June 6: Punjab is today observing the 34th anniversary of Operation Bluestar which again recalled unhealed injuries of thousands. Opposing the move of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Pro-Khalistani slogans were raised by Khalistani separatists in the premises of the GoldenTemple complex in Amritsar.
Notably, All India Sikh Students Federation raises pro-Khalistan slogans inside Golden Temple premises. While a was also observed in the holy city of Amritsar after a call was given by few radical and hardline Sikh outfits on the anniversary of the military operation that was carried out in 1984 to finish heavily-armed terrorists who were hiding in the Golden Temple.
However, the security has been tightened outside Golden Temple. Several companies of paramilitary forces and Punjab Police have been deployed across the city to maintain law and order. Five companies of the Rapid Action Force have also been deployed to maintain calm. In total, some 3,200 police personnel are manning security around the temple complex.
There is also a heavy police presence at all the entry and exit points of the Amritsar city including airport, railway station and city bypass. Vehicles entering the city are being checked to prevent entry of any miscreants. Further, leaves of police officers have been cancelled in view of the anniversary.
Earlier on Tuesday, a radical outfit called Dal Khalsa carried out a parade in Amritsar against the Operation Blue Star. Importantly, the protest is a reminder that still thousands of Khalistani separatists backed by Pakistan’s ISI still exists in Punjab though they are a threat to India.
Operation Bluestar:
Operation Blue Star was an operation which occurred between 1 June and 6 June 1984, ordered by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, to remove militant religious leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his militant armed followers from the Harmandir Sahib Complex in Amritsar, Punjab. During this operation, 493 were killed including militants and civilians.