Tributes on 41st anniv of Op Blue Star: Calls for unity, awareness

On the 41st anniversary of Operation Blue Star, memorial gatherings were held across Punjab to honour the martyrs of the operation and reflect on the sacrifices made by civilians, security personnel and soldiers during one of the most tumultuous periods in the state’s history. Tributes from both Phagwara and Hoshiarpur focused on the themes of unity, national integrity and the need to stay vigilant against extremist ideologies.

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In Phagwara, the Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Suraksha Samiti and Shiv Sena Punjab led memorial services that paid respect to the Indian Army, police and civilians who lost their lives during Operation Blue Star in 1984. At the Shri Hanumangarhi Temple, Deepak Bhardwaj, the state president of the Hindu Suraksha Samiti, delivered a heartfelt address.

He recalled the sacrifices made by both military personnel and innocent civilians during the operation, which aimed to flush out militants who had occupied the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Bhardwaj paid special homage to General Arun Shridhar Vaidya, who led the operation and was later assassinated as a reprisal.

Simultaneously, in Hoshiarpur, Shiv Sena leaders led by Ranjit Rana paid tribute on Friday to the police, army and paramilitary personnel who sacrificed their lives during the operation. Floral wreaths were laid at the Radhe Krishna Mandir Committee Bazaar Shiv Sena office in a solemn ceremony. Ranjit Rana emphasised that Shiv Sena pays tribute every year to those who fought to protect the integrity of India during the insurgency.

Rana also paid homage to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, former Chief Minister Beant Singh and former Punjab DGP KPS Gill.

In another tribute ceremony organised by Shiv Sena Hindustan at Kalibadi Siddh Peeth, Punjab Vice-President Rajendra Rana led the proceedings, highlighting the sacrifices made by soldiers, police and civilians during the state’s period of terror. He emphasised that Punjab’s border status made it especially vulnerable to threats, and that many had given their lives to protect the peace of the state.

The leaders across both regions called for unity among all communities, reiterating that terrorism and violence must never be justified under any religious or communal banner. The ceremonies ended with an Ardaas, praying for the peace of the departed souls and for the progress and harmony of Punjab.