Operation Blue Star Riots: 21 Hurt In Fighting On 30th Anniversary Of Indian Conflict

Earlier this week, the 30th anniversary of Operation Blue Star was marred by riots when supporters of a radical Sikh group clashed with Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) guards.

The fighting came on the day commemorating the Indian conflict, in which Indian Army troops opened fire on a military band holed up in the Harmandir Sahib (also known as The Golden Temple) in June 1984. The temple, one of the holiest sites for Sikhs, was occupied by militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who had taken up refuge in the temple along with his band of followers.

Hundreds were killed in the initial conflict and thousands more died in the anti-Sikh rioting that would follow.

This week there was more bloodshed as people were injured in fighting that broke out. Witnesses say the incident started when Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann and his supporters began shouting pro-Khalistan slogans prayers at the Akal Takht (the highest temporal seat of Sikhs).

Mann later used a small public address system to demand a separate “Khalistan'” for the Sikh community.

“All communities will feel safe if Khalistan becomes home of the Sikhs. We will soon release the map of Khalistan,” Mann reportedly said. “Khalistan will be a buffer state between India, China and Pakistan, ensuring peace in the entire South Asia region.”

When the address ended, Mann and his supporters tried to enter the Akal Takht armed with swords, kirpans, and spears. They attacked an SGPC guard, then entered the Akal Takht, prompting those engaged in prayers to run for safety.

“Five task force members were injured in the incident. They have been admitted to the hospital. We have rounded up seven people for investigation,” Amritsar Police Commissioner Jatinder Singh Aulakh said after the initial attack

Police said 1o people were hurt in the rioting, including a child. They also noted that members of the media were targeted in the attack.

Authorities identified 28 people involved in the rioting, charging them with a range of offenses, including assault and attempted murder. They say 21 have been captured, with another seven on the run.

Many Indian leaders have spoken out against the Operation Blue Star riots. Senior Congress leader and local MP Amarinder Singh dubbed said the event was shameful.

“It is very shameful and unfortunate that such a thing happened at a place which is regarded as the holiest place for the Sikh community,” the former Punjab chief minister said.

Others called for justice against those who sparked the violence.

“Deliberate attempts were made to start violence, perpetrators will be punished. People are injured in clashes, some outside agents came in, started violence,” said Giani Gurbachan Singh, appointed Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.

Singh later directed the SGPC to hold an investigation into the Operation Blue Star riots.