Sikh diaspora condemns violence in Golden Temple premises

Clashes occurred during commemoration ceremony of martyrs killed in Operation Bluestar

Sikh leaders and diaspora across the world have condemned the violence that occurred in the Golden Temple premises, particularly at the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs.

Activists of various radical Sikh bodies clashed with the task force men of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee (SGPC) while remembering their martyrs killed thirty years back in "Operation Bluestar."

SGPC member Rajinder Singh Mehta, executive body member Gurbachan Singh Karmuwal and others in a joint press release alleged that Mann and Ajnala were responsible for the unfortunate incident.

They said Mann and Ajnala were against the SGPC holding the ceremony to observe the anniversary of Operation Bluestar, so they deliberately disrupted the function. They said Mann and Ajnala tried to snatch the microphone and even injured one of the Panj Pyara (five beloved ones). The SGPC members demanded that the administration take strict action against them.

SGPC President, Avtar Singh Makkar condemned the incident. However, Makkar, who attended the Bhog ceremony, was not present when the clashes happened and did not defuse the situation.

Talking from San Francisco, Dr. Pritpal Singh, the convener of the American Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee (AGPC), said, "I strongly condemned the violence, whosoever is responsible for that, and If there are any differences, they should be solved through dialogue."

He appealed to the authorities at the Akal Takhat and senior Sikh leadership to take appropriate measures to restore peace.

Kiranjot Kaur , senior leader of Shiromani Akali Dal and executive member of SGPC while condemning the incident said that such acts of violence are a jolt to the peaceful Sikh community worldwide.

SGPC, which is considered to be a mini parliament of the Sikhs, has been overseeing the historical Sikh shrines in India and representing the community while dealing with various Sikh issues.

Captain Amarinder Singh, member of Parliament from Amritsar condemned the incident but blamed the SGPC for failing to handle the situation. He told ANI, "It's very unfortunate. It is the duty of the SGPC to ensure security inside the temple premises. The incident could have easily been prevented had both sides exercised restraint and restricted themselves to the purpose of the meeting and not indulged in publicity hunting."

Kanwerpal Singh, spokesperson of Dal Khalsa who was also there at the time of the incident claims that none of their men were involved in the incident. He said he, the Dal Khalsa leaders and their activists were already detained by the police.

Parmjit Singh Sarna, the President of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Delhi), while condemning the incident appealed to the people of Punjab to maintain peace, which has occurred after such a long time.

Anil Joshi, Punjab's cabinet minister for local bodies condemned the incident and said authorities should not give any miscreants the opportunity to disturb the peace of Punjab.

While condemning the clashes among Sikhs at the Akal Takht, H S Phoolka, senior AAP leader said, "[It is] unfortunate what happened. Problem is Badal's party wants to control Akal Takht and Golden Temple."