Editor’s Note: This is a continuation of our post earlier today on the incident at Akal Takht Sahib. Please read the initial report here.
AMRITSAR SAHIB—The 30th anniversary of June 1984 holocaust was observed by the Khalsa Panth at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, which was attended by a great number of Sikhs.
Sikh Youth Show Great Enthusiasm / Raise Pro-Khalistan Slogans
Sikh youths showed great enthusiasm, paying rich tribute to martyrs of the 1984 holocaust carried out by Indian state former prime minister Indira Gandhi in first week of June that year. However, the Samagam (get together) was spoiled by unfortunate incident between the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) task force and Sikh youths who were beaten mercilessly during a clash that left almost seven injured.
At 8.15 A.M., Bhog Sri Akhand Path Sahib was held in memory of martyrs of June 1984 at Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Then, Giani Gurbachan Singh, appointed Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, gave his speech to the Sikh nation. The SGPC had hoped to conclude the assembly early to avoid too large of a gathering. However, Sikhs had already turned out in great numbers to attend the Bhog (conclusion) ceremony.
After Giani Gurbachan Singh delivered his message, Sikhs started to raise Jaikara (cheers) of “Khalistan Zindabad”, Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale—Jindabad”, Bhindranwale Babbar Shera—Poora Krange Supna Tera”, Bhindranwalea Teri Soch te—Pehra Deange Thok ke”, “Go Back—India” etc. The cheering resounded through the entire Sri Darbar Sahib Complex. Cheering Jaikara slogans in favour of Khalistan lasted for almost an hour so that it became difficult for Simranjit Singh Mann to address the Sangat.
How the Event Turned Violent
The Samagam was spoiled when the clash between Sikh youths and SGPC task force began over the issue of a microphone. When Mann began to address the Sangat, he could not be heard by everyone as Sikhs were cheering uncontrollably. Several of the cheerers demanded microphones from employees of SGPC stationed at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, however they refused the demand. Furious over the refusal the attempted to snatch the microphone from the hands of a employee resulting in a clash. The SGPC force assaulted a youth who attempted snatching the mic. After learning of the incident other Sikh youth with swords protested the attack by SGPC and a clash began between them.
Two hours later, after the situation had cooled down, several Sikhs marching around the Sarovar (sacred pool) were handing out banners inscribed with Khalistan, and uttering “Satnam Waheguru.” The task force again began mercilessly attacking the demonstrators as well as ordinary onlookers of the Sikh Sangat (congregation).
Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa, chief of Damdami Taksal, Jatha Bhindran Mehta, along with family members of Shaheed Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale, Bhai Amrik Singh, and other martyrs were honored by the SGPC with Siropas (short length of turban) on the occasion.
Unprecedented Turnout by Sikhs and Panthik Leaders
Leaders of all Panthik organizations, including Simranjit Singh Mann, president of SAD (A), Bhai Daljit Singh Bittu, SAD (Panch Pardhani), Bhai Harpal Singh Cheema, Bhai Karnail Singh Peer Mohammad, Bhai Amrik Singh Ajnala Damdami Taksal Ajnala, Bhai Satnam Singh Paunta Sahib, Harcharanjit Singh Dhami, Sarabjit Singh Ghuman, Nobaljit Singh Sikh Youth of Punjab (SYP), Bhai Parmjit Singh Gazi, Bhai Balwant Singh Gopala, Dr. Gurjinder Singh Sikh Youth Federation Bhindranwala, etc.
were all present on the historical occasion.
Sikhs showed unprecedented determination to achieve the goal of freedom from the Hindu oriented nation of India, but felt being disgusted at not having any suitable leader who could give positive direction to their sentiments. The essence of situation was witnessed when after all the main leaders of the Sikh groups had departed and the remaining Sikhs stood before Sri Akal Takht Sahib without any leaders but still showing solidarity for their cause of wanting a sovereign Sikh state.
The representative of Sikh24.com observed that the numbers of Sikhs gathered at Sri Akal Takht Sahib was the largest of any anniversaries observed in past 30 years demonstrating the increasing Sikhi spirit among Sikhs, particularly among its youth. Inspired by martyrs of the Sikh freedom movement including Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the resentment among them against the Indian state is increasing. Such developments have created a worrisome situation for intelligence agencies of the Indian state.
