Today, it is 30th anniversary of Operation Bluestar. Some rowdy and violent group clashes were registered at Golden Temple on this day between Sikh Groups.
Friction started over a speech from Shriomani Akali Dal (Amritsar) leader Simranjit Singh Mann from Rostrum of the Akal Takht, this attempt was opposed by members of the Shiromani Akali Dal-controlled Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), report as per sources.
In the process one of the Mann supporters trying to snatch microphone from Jathedar of Akal Thakt.
SGPC-run Golden Temple Task Force swung into action immediately and took on Mann supporters.
Immediately, both sides reacting violently with swords, kirpans and lathis. Some six people have sustained injuries reports claimed.
The Task Force members forced Mann supporters out but they regrouped and attacked again. Members of the media were also targeted.
The Akal Takht is one of the five seats of power of the Sikh religion. It is located in the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) complex.
Giani Gurbachan Singh later said, “Deliberate attempts were made to start violence, perpetrators will be punished. People are injured in clashes,some outside agents came in, started violence.”
The situation has turned tense in parts of Amritsar with many shops downing shutters. Anti Riot Police from Bhatinda and Jalandhar have been rushed to Amritsar and patrolling outside Golden Temple intensified to prevent further trouble.
Dal Khalsa’s spokesman Kanwarpal Singh and 50 supporters were later detained outside the Golden Temple. Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), is a splinter group of the SAD, led by Simranjit Singh Mann which advocates formation of Khalistan, an independent state for the Sikhs through democratic process.
Following the clashes, Simranjeet Singh Mann said, “Khalistan is the only solution, its in the interest of all communities.”
Temple management felt sorry for the incident and assured actions against culprits.
