“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.