Paramilitary forces deployed in Amritsar Ahead of 32nd Anniversary of Darbar Sahib Invasion
Posted: 31 May 2016
AMRITSAR SAHIB, Punjab—To spread wave of panic among the citizens of Punjab about 32nd anniversary of Holocaust day, the Union government of India has deployed paramilitary forces in Amritsar Sahib. So far, six companies of different paramilitary forces have been deployed around the city already.
Confirming the development, Police Commissioner Amar Singh Chahal informed that five companies of CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) and one company of ITBP (Indo Tibetan Border Police) have been deployed at main points of the city. He added that the District police have 3500 cops while more will also be called from the neighboring districts. He said that cameras will also be deployed at key points of the city.
“This is utterly disgusting, it reminds us of how 1984 may have been like with mnilitary forces everywhere,” Gurmeet Singh, a resident of Chandigarh told Sikh24. “We came here on a routine pilgrimage of Sri Darbar Sahib, but today, it reminded me of 1984 when we saw Indian soldiers everywhere,” he added.
A local Sikh from Amritsar, Jaswant Singh said, “This is nothing new. We are used to seeing paramilitary deployed around Sri Darbar Sahib from the past few years. I don’t think there’s anything to be scared, however, existence of paramilitary on the anniversary of Operation Blue Star reminds us of how the army would have entered our holiest shrine 32 years ago.”
“The Union government of India doesn’t miss any opportunity to defame Sikh community at any point. Each year the paramilitary forces are deployed to give impression like something very big is going to happen,” Jaswant Singh said.
Two years ago, a clash between SGPC task force and some Sikhs came into light but the mainstream media aired the incidents negatively on a big level. While during 1984 remembrance programs, Sikh Sangat visits the shrine to remember its martyrs, the atmosphere is mostly peaceful, while during the morning program at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, thousands of Sikh youth are seen raising pro-Khalistan slogans.
In addition to the Union Government, the SGPC has also tightened security inside the Darbar Sahib complex. SGPC is trying to avoid any possibility of clash as Giani Gurbachan Singh will be delivering a speech. Last year, during Bandi Chor Diwali celebrations, Sikh youth raised slogans and did not allow Giani Gurbachan Singh to speak. Instead, Sarbat Khalsa 2015 appointed interim Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib, Dhian Singh Mand addressed the sangat. Giani Gurbachan Singh was removed from the post of Akal Takht Sahib by Sarbat Khalsa 2015, however, he has continued to act as customary Jathedar appointed by the SGPC, which has altogether denounced Sarbat Khalsa 2015 gathering.
As per reports from internal SGPC sources, its officials have ordered the Task Force to remain present throughout the day on June 1984. It has also refused vacation to any SGPC Task Force members for June 6 gathering.