Punjab on June 6 observed the 41st anniversary of Operation Blue Star. Hundreds and thousands of Sikh devotees, Nihang Singhs, visited Sri Harmandir Sahib to mark the occasion. The day began with a prayer (Ardas) at 8 a.m. at Akal Takht Sahib, following which a section of attendees raised pro-Khalistan slogans and carried posters of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.
In an unusual move, the acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargarj, delivered the annual message to the Sikh community during the Ardas instead of after it. This decision came amid opposition from Damdami Taksal and certain Sikh groups, who had previously claimed that the acting Jathedar had not yet received widespread approval from the Sikh community.
Tensions flared earlier in the day when supporters of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann raised pro-Khalistan slogans upon his arrival. Meanwhile, Sarbat Khalsa’s acting Jathedar, Bhai Dhyan Singh Mand, was stopped from entering the Akal Takht premises, leading to a brief protest.
A large gathering of devotees marked the occasion, and markets in the vicinity remained shut. SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami is scheduled to honour families of those killed during Operation Blue Star.
Amid heavy security presence, members and supporters of the Dal Khalsa group arrived in significant numbers and raised slogans in support of Khalistan outside Akal Takht Sahib.
Dal Khalsa spokesperson Kanwarpal Singh Bittu, while addressing the media, reiterated the group's allegiance to the ideology of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. “We have always upheld the thoughts and path of Sant Bhindranwale and will continue to do so. On this day, no act should take place that brings dishonor to the Khalsa Panth,” he said.
Singh also defended the pro-Khalistan slogans raised by the group, asserting, “Khalistan Zindabad is not just a slogan, it’s embedded in our blood and ideology. It gives us strength and purpose.”