Operation Blue Star Anniversary Observed at Sri Akal Takht Sahib Amid Slogan-Shouting

AMRITSAR, June 6: Authorities maintained heightened security arrangements across Amritsar on Friday as commemorative events were held to mark the 42nd anniversary of Operation Blue Star. The observance drew devotees, community members and visitors to various locations, including Sri Akal Takht Sahib, where gatherings were monitored closely by law enforcement agencies.

During the events, slogans were raised by some attendees, while posters associated with Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale were displayed within the vicinity. The anniversary continues to hold deep historical and political significance in Punjab, prompting extensive security planning every year.

Ahead of the commemorative programmes, Punjab Police reviewed preparedness measures to ensure public safety and maintain law and order. Senior officials conducted inspections and coordination meetings in the days leading up to the anniversary, focusing on crowd management and emergency response mechanisms.

Special Director General of Police (Law and Order) Praveen Kumar Sinha said the annual observance is considered a sensitive occasion due to the large number of participants and the historical context surrounding the events of June 1984. As a result, a multi-layered security framework was activated across the region.

According to officials, nearly 4,000 police personnel were deployed in and around Amritsar city. Reinforcements included officers brought in from neighbouring districts, while local police units remained on alert throughout the day. Security checkpoints were established at strategic locations to monitor movement and ensure smooth conduct of the programmes.

Additional support was provided by units of the Central Armed Police Forces, with several companies stationed across key areas of the city. Surveillance measures and patrolling activities were intensified around important religious and public sites as part of the precautionary arrangements.

Operation Blue Star remains one of the most discussed episodes in modern Indian history. The military operation was launched by the Indian Army in June 1984 to remove armed militants from the Golden Temple complex. The action targeted supporters of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who had established a presence within the shrine premises along with his followers.

The operation resulted in casualties on multiple sides and continues to evoke strong reactions decades later. Historians and analysts often cite the event as a turning point in Punjab’s political and social landscape.

The aftermath of the operation had far-reaching consequences. Later that year, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by two members of her security detail, an incident that further intensified tensions across the country and led to significant political developments.

Security officials stated that special attention was paid to maintaining communal harmony and preventing any untoward incidents during this year’s observance. Authorities coordinated with local administration, intelligence agencies and community representatives to facilitate peaceful gatherings.

Throughout the day, religious ceremonies, prayers and remembrance events were conducted at various locations. Law enforcement agencies reported that the situation remained under control, with security personnel continuing to monitor developments closely.

Officials reiterated that the objective of the extensive deployment was to ensure that commemorative activities could take place peacefully while safeguarding public safety. The anniversary concluded with authorities maintaining vigilance across the city as participants dispersed following the day’s events.