Amritsar's Golden Temple under tight security ahead of Operation Bluestar anniversary

Golden Temple, Amritsar

Amritsar is under tight security with nearly 4,000 police personnel deployed ahead of the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar on June 6. The police have intensified checks, conducted flag marches and set up 24-hour checkpoints across the city, particularly around the Golden Temple, to prevent any unrest.

Officers from multiple districts, including Amritsar Rural, Batala and Tarn Taran, have been mobilised, with plainclothes officers and intelligence personnel monitoring sensitive areas. “Thorough checking of vehicles and suspicious individuals is being done at designated nakas (checkpoints),” said Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, as quoted by HT.

The heightened measures come as hardline Sikh group Dal Khalsa plans a march on June 5 and has called for a city-wide shutdown the following day. Meanwhile, tensions persist over Akal Takht’s officiating jathedar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, who is set to deliver an address from the Sikh temporal seat on the anniversary, a move opposed by several factions, including Damdami Taksal and Nihang leaders, as per HT report.

Nihang Singh organisations and Damdami Taksal chief Harnam Singh Dhumma have rejected Gargaj’s authority, arguing his appointment did not follow traditional maryada (Sikh religious conduct). Baba Balbir Singh of Shiromani Panth Akali Budha Dal said that Gargaj has no authority to directly intervene in Panthic matters, as reported by TOI.

However, Gargaj dismissed concerns, stating, "Nothing will happen... This year’s Ghallughara programme will be even more peaceful than previous years." He described dissenting leaders as "Gurubhai" (brothers in faith) and expressed confidence in a harmonious event, TOI reported.

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has commenced an akhand paath (continuous scripture reading) at Akal Takht, concluding on June 6. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami called the 1984 operation a "brutal action" that left indelible wounds on the Sikh community.

As per TOI, Golden Temple manager Bhagwant Singh Dhangera assured that security was in place and urged devotees to cooperate in maintaining peace.