An Akhand Path has been initiated at the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar to honor those who lost their lives during the military operation at Harmandir Sahib and Akal Takht 42 years ago. The event precedes the anniversary of Operation Blue Star on June 6, with the concluding ceremony of the Akhand Path scheduled for the same day.
Security Measures and Recent Incidents
Authorities have tightened security across Punjab following a series of explosions in the region. Recently, blasts occurred outside the BSF headquarters in Jalandhar and the New Amritsar Cantonment area at Khasa. Another grenade attack was reported near a private hospital in Gurdaspur, prompting increased vigilance. Plainclothes police personnel have been deployed, and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) task force will be stationed inside the Golden Temple to manage any untoward incidents.
Significance of the Event
This year, the Ghallughara Day falls before the crucial Assembly election, drawing attention to the events at the Golden Temple and Gurdwara Gurdarshan Parkash, the headquarters of Damdami Taksal. Prominent Sikh figures, including SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami and Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Giani Tek Singh, attended the start of the Akhand Path.
On the anniversary, Akal Takht Officiating Jathedar Kuldip Singh Gargaj will deliver a customary message from the Akal Takht podium. He and SGPC president Dhami will honor the families of those killed during Operation Blue Star. The Dal Khalsa has called for an 'Amritsar Bandh' on June 6.
Jathedar Gargaj's Address
This will be Jathedar Gargaj's first address on June 6. Last year, he avoided confrontation with Sikh organizations and did not address the Sikh community from the Akal Takht facade or honor the families of the deceased. This decision followed opposition from Damdami Taksal head Harnam Singh Dhuma, and Ishar Singh and Inderjit Singh, sons of slain Sikh leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.
Display of Bullet-Riddled Guru Granth Sahib
Every year, the bullet-riddled saroop of Guru Granth Sahib is displayed at a gurdwara inside the Golden Temple complex. The saroop, which was hit by a bullet during the operation, pierced 25 angs (pages) before lodging in its title cover. The bullet is also exhibited.
Damdami Taksal's Programs
Damdami Taksal organizes extensive religious programs to mark the occasion. Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who led the movement in the 1980s, was the 14th head of the Taksal. The Taksal refers to the Army action as the third Ghallughara (holocaust) and holds a massive religious program at the gurdwara every year on June 6.
SGPC President's Remarks
Addressing the media, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami stated that the Congress government in June 1984 inflicted deep wounds on the Sikh community by attacking Harmandir Sahib, Akal Takht, and other gurdwaras. He demanded the release of imprisoned Sikhs, including Balwant Singh Rajoana, who have been jailed for nearly three decades. Dhami called for the immediate commutation of Rajoana's sentence and the release of all imprisoned Sikhs.
Exhibition and Security
The SGPC has set up an exhibition of photographs depicting the June 1984 tragedy and the damaged Akal Takht outside Gurdwara Sri Manji Sahib Diwan Hall. The Punjab Police have made extensive security arrangements across the border belt to ensure safety during the events.
