In a situation that can be called paradoxical in the least, violence broke out during the observance of the 31st anniversary of Operation Blue Star. One Sikh youth was killed in police firing during a protest against the removal of a poster of Khalistan leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, in Jammu. The police resorted to lathicharge and tear gas shelling after the Sikh youth blocked traffic and raised slogans against the police and the government. Two policemen were seriously injured in the incident.
Five youths were injured during clashes inside the Golden Temple complex as the SGPC's task force resorted to lathicharge on 22 Sikh youth who were raising pro-Khalistan slogans. The Shiromani Gurudwara Porbandhak Committee president Avtar Singh Makkar blamed 'suspicious elements' for the clash.
Massive rally in San Francisco
Raising and promoting awareness and their support for their Indian community, an estimated 10,000 Sikhs from all across California staged a massive rally at the San Francisco Civic Center. Organised in the form of a nagar kirtan, the rally sought freedom for Punjab and paid tribute to Guru Arjun Dev Ji and all those who lost their lives in the 1984 invasion of the Sikh place of worship by the Indian Army.
A number of activists were fully shackled to send a clear message that Sikhs do not tolerate prolonged detention of Sikh political prisoners. Sikhs for Justice put together an impressive display of Referendum 2020 movement, with a large number of activists carrying banners and placards. They shouted “Khalistan Zindabad” slogans throughout the way. California Gatka Dal also performed during the nagar kirtan as speeches were delivered.
The highlight of the event seemed to be the presence of the mother of Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara, who was accompanied by large number of kirtan holding Sikhs.
Professor Indira Prahst from Canada was one of the main speakers at the event. She highlighted the need for Sikhs to commemorate their shaheeds and also spoke about the necessity of freeing the Sikh homeland. Her speech was welcomed by roaring shouts of “Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal” and “Khalistan Zindabad” slogans. Jagmeet Singh, MPP from Ontario, Canada, spoke about his experiences growing up in Canada and highlighted the importance of sharing 1984 with their younger Sikhs.
Dr Iqtidar Karamat Cheema from UK spoke about the martyrdom of Guru Arjun Dev Ji and the history of Sikh genocides. Prabhsharanbir Singh, a PhD student from University of British Columbia, spoke about the infiltration of Sikh institutes throughout history and related it to the current struggle of Damdami Taksal and other institutions. Navkiran Kaur, daughter of Shaheed S. Jaswant Singh Khalra, spoke about human rights issues in Punjab and the need for Sikhs to adhere to their unique identity. Dr. Amarjeet Singh from Washington also spoke about various issues. Moninder Singh, a Sikh activist leader from Canada also highlighted sacrifices of a number of recent shaheeds.
