Golden Temple fortified ahead of Bluestar anniversary

Amritsar, May 31

Ahead of the Operation Bluestar anniversary that falls on June 6, the police have tightened security in and around the Golden Temple, stopping devotees from entering the shrine complex.

This comes in the wake of clashes between SGPC workers and pro-Khalistan activists in the Golden Temple in recent years. A police officer said, “We apprehend that some Sikh activists might gather inside the shrine in advance. Moreover, we want to ensure social distancing in view of the Covid pandemic.” Section 144 has been imposed, and carrying any weapon, including the “kirpan”, has been banned.

Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh is yet to take a call on the programme. His “parallel” counterpart Bhai Dhyan Singh Mand, however, has said he would offer at Akal Takht and deliver a “public address”. — TNS

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