Pro-Khalistan Slogans raised at Akal Takht amid Bhindranwale's death anniversary

Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale's poster were displayed and ‘Long Live Khalistan’ slogans were raised at Amritsar's Sri Akal Takht Sahib on Friday, during the 42nd anniversary of Operation Blue Star and the death anniversary of Bhindranwale. 

Political observers note that such events happening in sensitive anniversaries is adding dimensions to the already heated political environment in the state and may happen again with Punjab heading into the 2027 Assembly elections.

Praveen Kumar Sinha visits Amritsar

To review security preparations, Special Director General of Police (Law and Order) Praveen Kumar Sinha visited Amritsar. He said a comprehensive security grid has been established across Punjab, with special focus on Amritsar and its surrounding regions.

According to reports, Sinha said the anniversary of Operation Blue Star is marked by various events and gatherings every year, making it a sensitive occasion from a law-and-order perspective.

Tight security in Amritsar

To ensure peace and security, around 4,000 police personnel have been deployed in and around Amritsar. This includes, 2,000 personnel and 30 gazetted officers brought from outside the district, while another 2,000 officers from the local district police force remain on high alert.

In addition to the Punjab Police deployment, five companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed in the city to reinforce security arrangements.

Sinha said senior officers have conducted multiple meetings and field inspections to assess preparedness and ensure adequate security measures are in place.

What Was Operation Blue Star?

Operation Blue Star was carried out by the Indian Army in June 1984 on the orders of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to remove armed militants from the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar. 

The operation targeted followers of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, head of the radical Sikh organisation Damdami Taksal, who had taken shelter inside the shrine complex. 

Bhindranwale and several of his followers were killed during the operation. 

Months later, on October 31, 1984, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated at her New Delhi residence by two of her Sikh bodyguards, Beant Singh and Satwant Singh, in the aftermath of the operation.