32nd Op Bluestar anniversary observed amidst tight security

Pro-Khalistan slogans were raised by members of a radical Sikh group on the premises of Golden Temple here today as the 32nd anniversary of Operation Bluestar was observed amidst tight security.

No untoward incident was reported from on and around the Temple premises, where policemen in civil dress were deployed along with SGPC's task force to thwart any attempt to disturb law and order.

Over 8,000 security personnel, including from paramilitary forces, have been deployed in Amritsar.

Supporters of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) led by its president and former MP Simranjit Singh Mann raised slogans of 'Khalisthan Zindabad' and 'Punjab Sarkar Murdabad'.

Addressing the gathering from the ground floor of Akal Takht, Mann accused Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal of interfering in the religious affairs of the Sikhs and those of SGPC, the apex religious body of the community.

Mann asked SGPC to reinstate Sikh priest Balbir Singh who denied 'Siropa' (robe of honour) to the Chief Minister at the Golden Temple recently.

Addressing the gathering, Jathedar Akal Takht Giani Gurbachan Singh lashed out at the then Union Government and said, "Sikh community will all over the world remember the unhealed wounds of Operation Bluestar".

Memorial dedicated to those killed during 1984 Army action on the Golden Temple witnessed sizeable footfall today.

A bandh was also observed in the holy city on the call given by radical Sikh outfit Dal Khalsa.

Tight security arrangements were made by the Punjab police to prevent any untoward incident.