Posters bearing the image of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale were distributed at the Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar on Friday as Sikhs marked the 42nd anniversary of Operation Blue Star. Pro-Khalistan slogans were also raised during the observance, prompting heightened security measures across the holy city.
The anniversary of Operation Blue Star remains one of the most sensitive dates in Punjab’s recent history. Every year, commemorative events draw devotees and supporters to the Golden Temple complex, prompting authorities to put extensive security arrangements in place to maintain law and order.
#WATCH | Amritsar, Punjab: Pro-Khalistan slogans raised and posters of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale shown at Sri Akal Takht Sahib on the 42nd anniversary of Operation Blue Star and also the death anniversary of Bhindranwale, who was killed during the operation. pic.twitter.com/zT0Bc1DICT
— ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2026
Bhindranwale, who headed the Damdami Taksal, was killed along with several armed followers during Operation Blue Star in June 1984. The military operation was launched by the Indian Army to remove militants from the Golden Temple complex.
Security stepped up around Golden Temple
Punjab Police deployed additional personnel and strengthened security around the Golden Temple ahead of the anniversary events.
Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Vishaljit Singh said elaborate arrangements had been made across the city.
“We have made elaborate security arrangements for June 6, checkpoints have been set up across the city to prevent any illegal activity. Police personnel have been deployed, and barricades have been placed on all routes leading to the Golden Temple,” he said.
Earlier, Special Director General of Police (Law and Order) Praveen Kumar Sinha reviewed the security deployment in Amritsar and surrounding areas.
According to Sinha, nearly 4,000 police personnel have been deployed to ensure that the observance passes off peacefully.
Punjab Police deploys nearly 4,000 personnel
Speaking to reporters, Sinha said the anniversary creates a sensitive security situation because of the number of events and gatherings organised on the day.
“The anniversary of Operation Blue Star is on the 6th June; in connection with this, numerous programs and events take place, creating a heightened and sensitive security environment. In this context, we have established a comprehensive security grid across Punjab, specifically in Amritsar and its surrounding areas,” he said.
What was Operation Blue Star?
Operation Blue Star was carried out in June 1984 after the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi ordered the Army to enter the Golden Temple complex to tackle armed militants led by Bhindranwale amid growing demands for a separate Sikh state.
Operation Blue Star remains a sensitive subject in Punjab even four decades later. The Army action at the Golden Temple in June 1984 was followed by the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her bodyguards, Beant Singh and Satwant Singh, on October 31 that year.