Amritsar, Punjab (June 06, 2013): Sikhs observed 29th anniversary of Ghallughara (holocaust) June 1984 at Sri Akal Takhat Sahib on today. The Shiormani Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC) organized a function to mark the day, called Ghallughara Dihara (holocaust day).
A view of gathering of Sikhs in the courtyard of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib (June 06, 2013)
It is notable that in June 1984 the Indian army had attacked Sri Darbar Sahib and Sri Akal Takhat Sahib in Amritsar, besides about 36 other Gurdwara Sahibs in Punjab and adjoining states. The army used Tanks to destroy the building of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib. Indian army also destroyed Sikh Reference Library on in June 1984 attack. Thousands of Sikh devotees were massacred by the Indian army in this armed attack that was codenamed as ‘operation blue star’.
The SGPC held a Akhand Path Sahib of Sri Guru Granth Sahib on June 04 in the memory of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Bhai Amrik Singh, Gen. Subegh Singh and other martyrs of June 1984. The bhog of Sri Akhand Path Sahib was held on June 06 at around 7 am. After that Raghi Singhs recited Gurbani Kirtan.
Another view of gathering of Sikhs in the courtyard of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib (June 06, 2013)
In Ardas, held during this Samagam, it was mentioned that the Central Govt. of India had launched armed attack of June 1984 with genocidal intentions. Homage was also paid to Shaheed Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Bhai Amrik Singh and other martyrs of June 1984.
After the Ardas, Giani Gurbachan Singh (Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib) read out a written speech. In his address to the Sikh Sangat, Giani Gurbachan Singh criticized the ‘Congress government’ of India for launching armed attack on Sri Darbar Sahib, Sri Akal Takhat Sahib and other Gurdwaras in June 1984.
Giani Gurbachan Singh [File Photo]
Giani Gurbachan Singh said: “August 15 is considered as a day of happiness for the Indian public whereas June 6th will be remembered as a day of sorrow and grief for Sikh nation”.
He also called for ‘panthic unity’ – unity among various Sikh groups.
He said that even after 29 years there was an adverse impression about the Sikhs, among the people of India. He said that Sikhs should explain to the people of India that Sikhs are the arms of India.
It is notable that today’s samagam was held inside Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, where all the sitting space was occupied by SGPC employees and SGPC task force members. These employees were directed to make space only for Badal Dal or SGPC leaders. As SAD (Amritsar) president Simranjeet Singh Mann and his supporters attempted to force their way into the Akal Takhat, this resulted in mild scuffle between the SGPC task force SAD (Asr) activists.
S. Simranjit Singh Mann addressing the gathering at Sri Akal Takhat Sahib (June 06, 2013)
S. Simranjit Singh Mann and his supporters raised “Khalistan” slogans and conducted a stage in the courtyard of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib.
S. Mann criticized Giani Gurbachan Singh for delivering a non-directional and misguiding message to the Sikh Sangat. S. Mann even criticized the people of Punjab, especially the Sikhs, for casting their votes in favour of Congress or BJP. He called upon the people to continue with the mission of establishing Khalistan.
Those present on the occasion included representatives of Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC), Badal Dal, Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), Akali Dal Panch Pardhani, Dal Khalsa, Sant Samaj, Damdami Taksal (Mehta), Damdami Taksal (Sangrawan), Sikh Students Federation and Khalsa Fatehnama and Wangaar Magazines.
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