Chants of “Khalistan Zindabad” reverberated through the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar as Shiromani Akali Dal leader Simranjit Singh Mann arrived to mark the 41st anniversary of Operation Blue Star and the death anniversary of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. The slogans, captured in widely circulated videos, underscored the enduring divisions within the Sikh community over the events of June 1984.
Security was intensified around the Golden Temple, with local authorities and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee coordinating efforts to maintain order. Plainclothes officers were deployed, and checkpoints established, in anticipation of potential unrest. Despite these measures, the atmosphere remained charged, particularly following a march by Dal Khalsa activists on the eve of the anniversary, during which similar slogans were raised.
The commemorations have also highlighted internal rifts within the Sikh leadership. Acting Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj faced opposition from factions such as Damdami Taksal and certain Nihang groups, who questioned the legitimacy of his appointment and called for his exclusion from the events. SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami’s attempts at mediation have thus far been unsuccessful, reflecting deeper challenges in achieving unity.
Adding to the complexity, Balwant Singh Rajoana, a death row inmate convicted in the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, issued a message from Patiala Central Jail urging the community to uphold the authority of the Akal Takht and to observe the anniversary with unity and non-confrontation. His appeal, conveyed through Jathedar Gargaj, emphasized the need for peaceful remembrance.
The events at the Golden Temple have also drawn international attention. In the United Kingdom, over 450 Sikh organizations have expressed frustration with the Labour Party’s failure to initiate a public inquiry into alleged UK involvement in the 1984 operation. These groups have threatened to “no platform” Labour MPs, highlighting the global resonance of the issues surrounding Operation Blue Star.
Meanwhile, in Punjab, tensions were further inflamed by the defacement of a statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar near Phillaur, an act claimed by the banned separatist group Sikhs For Justice . The incident, involving the application of black paint and the placement of a Khalistan flag, has been condemned by various community leaders and has prompted investigations by local authorities.
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