Amritsar, Punjab (May 20, 2012): The karsewa began today at Sri Darbar Sahib complex in Amritsar in memory of martyrs of Armed attack on Darbar Sahib in June 1984. The Indian Army’s attack was code named as “Operation Bluestar” in 1984. Thousads of civilian Sikh were killed during this attack.
Baba Harnam Singh (head of Mehta faction of Damdami Taksal), jathedar of Akal Takht Giani Gurbachan Singh and and SGPC head Avtar Singh Makkar began the karsewa.
A large number of Sikh devotees and representatives of various Sikh religious organizations gathered at the Darbar Sahib complex to participate in the karsewa. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee’s executive body had approved the construction of a memorial for Operation Bluestar on the basis of a report of a five-member sub-committee constituted for the purpose. Damdami Taksal was entrusted with the karsewa.
Talking to media persons Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma said the Sikhs’ long pending demand of the construction of a memorial of third holocuast of Sikh history had finally been fulfilled. He said the memorial structure wouldn’t mar the ambiance of the Darbar Sahib and that the edifice would be in perfect harmony with the religious atmosphere of the Sikhs’ holiest shrine. He said that the portions of buildings which suffered damage and a ‘Bir’ of Guru Granth Sahib with a bullet mark would also be showcased.
Jathedar of Akal Takht Giani Gurbachan Singh cautioned the Sikh sangat to not offer donations to any individual or organization towards the memorial except to Damdami Taksal. He feared frauds on this score.
Bhai Ishar Singh, Son of Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhinderanwale who was also present on the occasion, called upon the Sikh sangat to overwhelmingly participate in the karsewa.
Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib Giani Balwant Singh said that “The memorial relates to Sikh sentiments and it is a historical day for all of us.” He said there is no opposition to the construction of the memorial but a few people and some organizations had differences over its structure and design, which would be resolved in future.
Notably, Shiromani Akali Dal (A), Shiromani Akali Dal (1920) and a few other organizations had opposed the entrusting of the karsewa to Baba Harnam Singh head of Mehta faction of Damdami Taksal.
Meanwhile, Ghallughara Memorial Committee formed by four Panthic organizations also appraoched Akal Takhat Jathedar, SGPC and Damdami Taksal to form a committee to finalize the layout of the memorial.