Anniversary of Operation Blue Star at Qila Mubarak Bathinda

To mark the anniversary of the Operation Blue Star, a number of radical Sikhs, heading different organisations, held a conclave at the Gurdwara Quila Mubarik Sahib here late this evening.

On the occasion, the Sikh hardliners honoured the kin of those convicted for killing the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale's son Ishar Singh and Tarlochan Singh, son of Amrik Singh, a confidante of Sant Bhindranwale, were among those honoured.

Former Akal Takht Jathedar Jasbir Singh Rode, Bhai Sukhchain Singh of Sant Samaj, Bhai Mohkam Singh of Khalsa Action Committee, Karnail Singh Peer Mohammad of AISSF, Tarsem Singh Moranwali and Bhai Gian Chand of Samaj Bachao were the prominent among those present.

Rajya Sabha member Balwinder Singh Bhunder and district president of SAD (B) Sikander Singh Maluka also marked their presence but left immediately after paying their obeisance.

As the event was primarily a religious one, Diwan Sahib was held on the gurdwara complex where various Ragi Jathas recited Gurbani and held kirtan.

Addressing the gathering, the hardliners condemned the attack on Darbar Sahib. They urged Sikhs to keep united for the cause of Panth and said the Operation Blue Star gave them the courage to fight against the suppression.

"Paying tributes to all Sikhs killed during the Dharam Yudh Morcha and the Operation Blue Star, we declare here today that the fight (Dharam Yudh Morcha) is neither won nor lost. We are not going to leave it mid way," they said.

Meanwhile, the leaders demanded the release of various Sikhs lodged in different jails. The radicals chanted slogans related to Sant Bhindranwale, which were answered by the gathering.

Due to a large number of radicals' presence, the administration remained on toes during the event. Though the police did not prevent anyone from entering the gurdwara, several cops, including CID sleuths (in civil dresses), kept a vigil in and around the Fort.

Due to differences with the organisers of the event, Sant Baljeet Singh Daduwal has scheduled his separate function, which would take place at the gurdwara on June 4.