NEW DELHI: The state was on a high alert after radical Sikh organisation Dal Khalsa called for Amritsar bandh on Monday to mark the 32nd anniversary of the Operation Blue Star. In measures to prevent any mishaps, the police detained several hardliners as they planned to blow in on the emotions tied up with the alleged atrocities on the Sikhs during the military operation.
The Army stormed into the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) on June 6, 1984, to pull out all extremists led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, leader of the Khalistan movement. The operation was ordered by then prime minister Indira Gandhi, and had made her more than unpopular with the big north Indian community.
The Dal Khalsa had also appealed to their fellow men to observe Khalistan Day on the anniversary, in order to pay homage to Bhindranwale. Spokesperson Kanwar Pal Singh issued a statement saying, "Innocent pilgrims, SGPC employees, political activists, and volunteers were killed during the attack." He is amongst those taken into custody by the police. "We have detained a few radical outfit leaders as a preventive measure ahead of the Blue Star anniversary," A.S. Chahal, Commissioner of Police said. "No one will be allowed to take law in their hand. We have deployed over 10,000 security personnel, including central paramilitary forces across the city, to keep the situation under control," he said.
Clashes have broken out during the commemoration in the past two years.
