Amritsar: Dal Khalsa today made a fervent appeal to Sikhs worldover to observe June 6 as ‘Khalistan Day’, stating that the step would be a great honour and real homage to Sikh icon Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale whose last words were “”If the Indian Army attacks the Darbar Sahib, then the foundation stone of Khalistan will be laid”.
Addressing the spirited protest to commemorate the 32 years of army attack on Darbar Sahib codenamed “operation Blue Star”, party head Harpal Singh Cheema said “Thirty-two years ago, with the attack on Darbar Sahib, the foundation stone for independent state was laid. The sentiments of sovereignty that was strengthened by army attack on Darbar Sahib have not been buried with the passage of time and change in political scenario. There may not be any public manifestation of such sentiments but Sikhs at large desire to be self-ruler. They don’t want to be ruled by New Delhi”.
Hundreds of diehard youth-girls and boys- associated with the Dal Khalsa took out a march under the nomenclature of ‘Genocide Remembrance Parade’ on the streets of Amritsar displaying photographs of damaged Akal Takht and Sikh martyrs who died during the operation while fighting against the army. Carrying saffron flags and placards, the participants marched from the organisation’s office near the Railway station, passed through the major lanes of the city and concluded at the Akal Takhat after performing ardas (prayer service). They raised slogans in favour of Sikh independence (Khalistan) from Indian yoke.
Eulogizing Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale and his colleagues for their bravery, Cheema said ‘the fighting against India’s army was heroic and took place under impossible conditions. He urged youth to demonstrate courage, resolve and steadfastness. “We can achieve our goal while adhering to democratic and peaceful means if we together move ahead in one direction,” said Cheema while stressing for unity of thought and action among the people to take the ongoing freedom struggle to its logical end.
Former president of the organization H S Dhami said the Indian state has attacked our holiest shrine, ruining our pride and honour, killing and incarcerating thousands, but the irony of it all is that “India is still a great secular nation” and Sikhs have been deliberately and systematically portrayed as “terrorists”.
He said there was a change in political leadership with some Sikhs at the helm of affairs both at centre and the state. This however has not healed our wounds of June 84.”
Party spokesperson Kanwar Pal Singh reiterated their groups call for Amritsar Bandh on June 6 to protest against the army assault on Darbar Sahib some 32 years ago. Striking an emotional chord, he said thousands of innocent pilgrims, SGPC employees, political activists and volunteers were slaughtered by the forces during the attack.
He said since Indian state ordered the attack, we don’t expect any justice from it. Appealing to the UN and the US to come forward, he said Sikhs awaits the world powers to rise above their commercial interests and act against the oppressor state.
Satnam Singh Paonta Sahib, AISSF president Karnail Singh Peermohammad, Baba Avtar Singh, Baldev Singh Sirsa, Surjit Singh Ramgarh, Mandhir Singh, Amrik Singh Issru, Nobeljit Singh, Ranbir Singh, and SYP head Paramjit Singh also lead the procession.