Ludhiana (November 3, 2010): Punjab shutdown call given by Sikh organizations evoked mixed response in Punjab, which remained totally peaceful as no untoward happening is reported from any part of the state.Shutdown was called by Sikh organizations to protest against denial of justice to the victims of Sikh Genocide 1984, in which thousands of Sikhs were burnt alive by Hindu mobs in just three days. Sikhs were targeted in a systematic and organized manner throughout India after assassination of the then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi. Mrs. Gandhi was assassinated by two of her own body guards, both Sikhs, on 31 October 1984 after she ordered armed attack on Sikh theo-political centre Darbar Sahib (Amritsar) in June 1984. Code-named as ‘Operation Blue Star’, this armed attack left thousands of Sikhs murdered by Indian army. Sikh reference library was reduced to ashes after the attack by Army and building of Sri Akal Takhat was destroyed with cannon shots.

“Impartial reports on Sikh Genocide of November 1984 revealed that same pattern was followed at all places wherever Sikhs were targeted, and further that political leaders belonging to the ruling regime of India, the Congress Party, led the mobs that massacred Sikhs.” said Kulbir Singh Barapind of SAD (Panch Pardhani), who accused Indian State for organizing the massacre and later patronizing the culprits.

Today’s shutdown call began with paralyzing railways across the state, which could only be reinstated after the large scale arrest of Sikh leaders and activists. Police claimed that the arrests of Sikh leaders were necessary to prevent damage to Public property. On the other hand Sikh leaders radicalize police claim. “There was no apprehension of violence. Even last year Punjab bandh call was completely peaceful. Police and Government made unsuccessful attempt to demoralize the Sikhs by arresting leaders” said Kanwarpal Singh of Dal Khalsa, who was taken into custody by Amritsar Police along with Bhai Mohkam Singh, Harcharnjit Singh Dhammi and others.

Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC) controlled by Badal Dal observed Ardas Divas to remember victims of Sikh Genocide at various historic Gurudwaras, including Darbar Sahib (Amirtsar) but ordered all the offices and education institutions controlled by it to remain open.

Most of the Commercial establishments, schools and other education institutions remained closed in wake of bundh call. Students of Guru Nanak Engineering College (GNE) Ludhiana forced shut down at college campus and boycotted examination. Led by M. Tech student Jaspreet Singh, students distributed posters published by the Sikh Students Federation, containing facts of Sikh Genocide 1984.