March held in memory of Sikh martyrs

Tribune News Service

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Amritsar, June 5

The Dal Khalsa took out a “Genocide Remembrance Parade” on the streets of the holy city, displaying photographs of damaged Akal Takht and Sikh martyrs who died during the operation while fighting against the Army.

Carrying saffron flags and placards on which it was depicted that wounds of the attack still simmered, pain was fresh and struggle continued, they marched raising slogans, seeking Punjab’s independence.

Excerpts from the speeches of Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale along with inspiring songs were played on a DJ system to which youth responded with spirited sloganeering.

Reiterating their call for Amritsar Bandh on June 6 to protest against the Army assault on Darbar Sahib some 33 years ago, the Dal Khalsa called upon the people of the city to feel the pain of the deadly attack and support the shutdown call.

Addressing the march, party head HS Cheema said Sikh nationalists under the leadership of Bhindrawale stood up in 1984, courting martyrdom defending the sanctity of Golden Temple. Striking an emotional chord, he said thousands of innocent pilgrims, SGPC employees, political activists and volunteers were slaughtered by the forces during the attack.

Similarly, SAD (Amritsar) conducted a march under the tutelage of Sarbat Khalsa appointed Jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib Amrik Singh Ajnala from Gurdwara Lokgarh to Akal Takht.

General secretary Jarnail Singh Sakhira said the march was dedicated to Sikh martyrs since 1978, who succumbed to the atrocities of various governments. “The Indian Government had to face embarrassment over the intervention of the UNO. We will participate in the Operation Blue Star anniversary in a peaceful manner. We also do not support the Amritsar shut-down call”, he said.