Security in Punjab tight ahead of Op BlueStar’s 33rd anniv

Punjab Police has ramped up security in Amritsar and border districts ahead of the 33rd anniversary of the 1984 Blue Star Operation on June 6, when a congregation of radical Sikhs is expected at the Golden Temple.

It will be the first congregation of radical Sikhs after the formation of the Congress government in March this year. Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has adopted a tough stance against radical Sikhs, even refusing to meet Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, who he called a ‘Khalistani sympathiser’.

While police across districts have been directed to remain alert and step up the vigil and checking of vehicles, security has been beefed up in the border areas. “There are adequate security arrangements and regular patrolling is being done,” said Director General of Police Suresh Arora.

Para-miltary forces and Rapid Action Force teams have also been deputed around the Golden Temple. While the gathering was peaceful last year, a violent clash erupted in 2014 when two Sikh groups clashed.

Sikh extremist group Dal Khalsa has given call for a shutdown to protest the June 1984 attack. Urging the people to observe a peaceful bandh, Harpal Singh Cheema, the Dal Khalsa’s president, said the call was only for business and …read more