The controversy over the memorial to the militants killed in the 1984 ‘Operation Bluestar’ has refused to die down, with Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) chief Simranjit Singh Mann and supporters relocating the Golak (offering box) inscribed with the name of slain Sikh militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale.
Mann and his supporters had originally come to take part in Saturday’s ‘Bhog’ (prayers) meeting held in memory of Dilwar Singh, who assassinated former Punjab CM Beant Singh. However, they decided to turn the Golak sideways -- with Bhindrawale’s name now facing the front side or the entry to the memorial -- after it was pointed out to them.
Addressing the gathering, Mann hailed Bhindrawale as a great martyr and said the whole panth swears by him. Hence, Mann said there was no need to to hide Bhindranwale’s name.
Earlier, when the memorial was inaugurated a few months ago, the BJP, which is the junior coalition partner, objected to it along with the others. Following this, the SGPC silently moved the Golak with Bhindranwale’s name turned towards the rear side.
Despite the fact that the Punjab Police personnel and the SGPC task force were present inside the temple premises, the group also raised anti-India slogans.