Various Sikh organisations on Saturday observed the 31st anniversary of ‘Operation Bluestar’. Saying that the operation was ‘unfortunate’, Akal Takhat jathedar (head priest) Giani Gurbachan Singh said the incident had hurt the sentiments of Sikhs. “Sikhs can never forget the attack and will continue to observe anniversary to mark the attack on the Golden Temple…Sikh community will, all over the world, remember the unhealed wounds of Operation Bluestar,” he said during ‘ardaas’ (prayer).
He also gave a call to the community to jointly work against evils like drug addiction, apostasy and female foeticide. Akali Dal (Panth) president Harpal Singh Cheema alleged that SGPC had not allowed several Sikh leaders to take part in the ceremony. “SGPC has allowed the Punjab Police to take control of the Golden Temple premises,” he said. Meanwhile, the head of Damdami Taksal Harpal Singh Khalsa said that they have peacefully observed the event and paid tribute to the Sikh martyrs, who had lost their lives during Operation Bluestar.