Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
Amritsar
There was a clash between pro-Khalistan groups and the SGPC task force, that was assisted by police personnel in mufti, during a ceremony to mark the 35th anniversary of Operation Bluestar at the Golden Temple complex today. Markets in the vicinity remained closed for several hours.
After Akal Takht acting chief Giani Harpreet Singh ended his brief public address from the Akal Takht podium, kirtan was played on speakers even as Sarbat Khalsa-appointed ‘parallel’ jathedar Dhian Singh Mand tried to make a speech. Mand’s aide Jarnail Singh Sakhira claimed he was manhandled by SGPC task force. SAD (Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann too arrived there with his supporters.
Incensed, separatist groups tried to breach the barricades raised in front of Akal Takht and a clash ensued, barely 100 feet from the sanctum sanctorum even as ADCP JS Walia and his men pleaded with Sikh activists to maintain peace. Some in the gathering were seen brandishing swords, wearing T-shirts and carrying banners with pictures of Bhindranwale. After the radicals broke the police cordon, it was free for all.
Giani Harpreet Singh, calling it “violation of maryada”, appealed to Sikh MPs to bring in a ‘resolution in Parliament’ against the then Union Government for the “attack” on the Golden Temple, Akal Takht and 37 other gurdwaras, leading to the death of innocent pilgrims.
