1984 Sikh Genocide Memorial To Become a Reality

Amritsar Sahib—After a full decade, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has given the nod to build a Sikh Genocide memorial within the Darbar Sahib complex, where Operation Bluestar took place. The memorial will be built in memory of the attack on Sri Akal Takht Sahib and thousands of innocents who lost their lives during the Harmandir Sahib invasion attempt by the Indian Military during June 1984.

The decision to give the go ahead for the memorial was taken after the Executive Meeting of the SGPC convened at Anandpur Sahib. Avtar Makkar nominated and assigned the task to oversee the memorial construction to Damdami Taksal Jathedar Baba Harnaam Singh Dhumma.

It was decided that the foundation stone be laid on June 6th, the 28th anniversary of Operation Bluestar. The memorial will be constructed just outside the Harmandir Sahib parkarma.

Dal Khalsa representive Bhai Kanwalpal Singh suggested that the memorial be constructed at Maharaja Sher Singh Deori instead of just outside the perimeter of the sarovar. He shared that this building still has bullet marks from Operation Bluestar and would therefore be a better place for the building.

He did express satisfaction over the SGPC decision and asked the management body to ensure that the memorial is built keeping the Panthik spirit in mind. He urged the SGPC to consider Khalsa traditions and fighting spirit while designing it. The memorial should be built in memory of the countless Shaheeds who became martyrs to protect the sanctity of Harmandir Sahib.

Bhai Kanwalpal Singh’s remarks were backed by the Khalsa Action Committee, Shiromani Akali Dal (Panch Pardhani) and Panthik Seva Lehar led by Baba Baljit Singh Daduwal. These organizations, along with Dal Khalsa, had submitted a 37 page report to the SGPC regarding their suggestions on the Sikh Genocide memorial. The report insisted heavily upon the location, a fact which was ignored by the SGPC at the Anandpur Sahib meeting. If the memorial is built at Maharaja Sher Singh Deori, it will help preserve the only remaining bullets left from 1984.