Amid opposition, Blue Star memorial opens to public

Facing opposition from political parties, the controversial memorial built for those killed in Operation Blue Star in 1984 was thrown open to public on Sunday after religious functions organised by the SGPC (Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee).

Sikh seminary Damdami Taksal handed over keys of the memorial to SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar. The memorial has been built near the marbled periphery of the Golden Temple complex. Gyani Gurbachan Singh, jathedar of highest Sikh temporal seat 'Akal Takht', was also present on the occasion.

Operation Blue Star was launched in June 1984 to flush out hiding militants in the Golden Temple led by their leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who was also killed in military operation. Expressing satisfaction over the completion of "martyrs memorial" within 10 months, radical Sikh outfit Dal Khalsa thanked Damdami Taksal and SGPC for fulfilling the "long standing desire" of the Sikh panth.

Both the Opposition Congress and the BJP, which is part of the coalition ruling in Punjab, had opposed construction of the memorial. While BJP had termed the move as "anti-national", Congress too had lodged its opposition, expressing apprehension that such a memorial inside the Golden Temple may again whip up passions and become cause of revival of terrorism in Punjab.