The 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar was observed peacefully at the Akal Takht on Friday amid heightened security arrangements. Notably, for the first time since 1999, the officiating Jathedar of the Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, did not address the Sikh community from the Fasil of the Akal Takht or felicitate the families of those who lost their lives during the 1984 Army operation.
The solemn event saw the participation of various Sikh organisations, without any confrontation—something that has often been seen during the annual observance in the past. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president, Harjinder Singh Dhami, took on the role of felicitating the Sikh families, a gesture that was traditionally carried out by the Jathedar.
The decision to refrain from delivering an address or leading the commemorative honours came after objections raised by Damdami Taksal chief Harnam Singh Dhuma. Dhuma stated that he felt relieved that the move helped avert a possible conflict among Panthic factions and conveyed a message of unity to Sikhs worldwide.
Talking to reporters after attending the religious programme observing the anniversary, the Damdami Taksal chief Dhuma thanked SGPC president Dhami for his intervention and for maintaining harmony during the occasion. The controversy around Jathedar Gargaj’s role had intensified earlier when Ishar Singh and Indarjeet Singh, sons of slain militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, also opposed the Akal Takht officiating Jathedar addressing the Sikh community during the anniversary events.
Operation Bluestar, carried out in June 1984, led to significant damage to the Akal Takht building in the Army operation. A new structure was completed in 1998, and since 1999, the Dal Khalsa has been formally observing the Operation Bluestar anniversary. However, this year, it’s the first time that the Akal Takht Jathedar did not address the Sikh community nor felicitates the families of those killed during the operation.
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