Amritsar (National Times): The 41st anniversary of Operation Blue Star was observed peacefully today at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, amid high anticipation and heightened security. A potential confrontation was averted after acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gadgaj chose not to deliver a message to the Sikh Panth (community) and instead confined himself to performing the Ardas (prayer).
In a significant move aimed at maintaining harmony, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), led by President Harjinder Singh Dhami, honoured the families of those martyred during the 1984 military operation, which targeted militants inside the Golden Temple complex but also resulted in heavy civilian and structural losses.
The gesture received support from Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma, chief of Damdami Taksal, who expressed his appreciation for the SGPC’s efforts to ensure the commemorative event remained dignified and free from conflict. “I thank SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami for showing wisdom and leadership in ensuring today’s programme concluded in peace,” said Dhumma.
The event came amid a backdrop of internal dissent over the authority of the acting Jathedar. Various Sikh bodies had previously opposed Kuldeep Singh Gadgaj’s role in delivering a message to the community on this emotionally charged day, questioning the legitimacy of his appointment and fearing further division.
To diffuse tensions, Gadgaj refrained from making any public address or issuing a statement, which could have sparked fresh controversy. His quiet yet symbolic performance of Ardas was seen as a conciliatory step.
The peaceful proceedings were conducted under the watchful eye of a large security deployment, with nearly 7,000 police personnel stationed across Amritsar to prevent any untoward incident. Surveillance drones and multiple checkpoints had been set up, especially around the Golden Temple complex.
Notably, Operation Blue Star was launched by the Indian Army in June 1984 to flush out militants from the Golden Temple, resulting in the deaths of hundreds and significant damage to the sacred Sikh shrine. The operation remains one of the most painful episodes in modern Sikh history, commemorated annually as Ghallughara Diwas.
