Amritsar (June 6, 2010): Slogans of ‘Khalistan Zindabad’ filled the skies at the Amritsar on Sunday, as Sikhs in large numbers had assembled to observe 26th anniversary of the beginning of third holocaust of Sikh history. Armed attack by Indian forces on Sri Darbar Sahib (Commonly known as Golden Temple) in June 1984 is considered to be the beginning of third holocaust by Sikhs. Code named as “Operation Bluestar”, this armed action was on June 3, 1984, by the then prime minister Indira Gandhi of India. Thousands of Sikh devotees were killed by Indian armed forces that used heavy arms, tanks, bulletproof vehicles, helicopters and navy divers in their 72 hours long struggle to overpower just about 125-150 Sikh warriors.
On Sunday, the Dal Khalsa activists and kins of those martyred during this attack, staged a protest against the failure of the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) to raise a memorial of the Sikh martyrs.
S. Simranjeet Singh Mann Addressing the Gathering in front of Sri Akal Takht Sahib
Senior Akali leader Simranjit Singh Mann led a number of supporters at the Akal Takht to raise pro-Khalistan slogans as soon as Akal Takht head priest Gurbachan Singh completed his address to the gathering.
“A separate Sikh state was the cherished goal of all those who laid down their lives during armed attack of June 1984and we all would strive to achieve that goal,” Mann said.
In his address, the Giani Gurbachan Singh, Jathedar of Akal Takht, strongly criticised the army and the then prime minister Indira Gandhi for executing the Bluestar.
Dal Khalsa Leader Satnam Singh Paunta Sahib breaking his fast near Sri Akal Takht
Dal Khalsa secretary general Kanwarpal Singh said a 72-hour fast was observed by party president Satnam Singh after a memorandum was given to the SGPC for construction of a memorial for the martyrs. He said the silence of Akali leadership about memorial to 1984 martyrs even after 26 years of the deadly attack was disgusting and disappointing. He said, meeting of all panthic bodies would be convened shortly to decide the further course of action.
Sikh activists of various Panthic bodies holding portraits of Sikh Martyrs in front of Sri Akal Takht
On the occasion SAD (Panch Pardhani) activists led by Bhai Harpal Singh Cheema and Kulbir Singh Barapind, gathered in large numbers before Sri Akal Takht. They were holding patriots of Sikh Martyrs including Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Bhai Amrik Singh, Baba Thahra Singh, General Subheg Singh. Bhai Harpal Singh, Narain Singh and Bhai Mohkam Singh also addressed the gathering in front of Sri Akal Takht.