Radicals’ march call has admn on its toes

Radicals’ march call has admn on its toes
Rajay Deep
Tribune News Service

Bathinda, June 3
In a run-up to the Ghallughara Divas, observed to mark the anniversary of Operation Blue Star, a number of radical Sikh organizations held a conclave at Gurudwara Quila Mubarik Sahib, late this evening, where they honoured the kin of those convicted for killing the then prime minister Indira Gandhi.
Though police did not prevent anyone from entering the Gurudwara but the heavily deployed cops maintained a tight security cover in and around the Bathinda Fort where the Gurudwara is located. The event started at about 8 pm, and was to conclude at around midnight. Various Dhadhi Jathas were also to take part in the proceedings.
To show respect for their leader Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the radicals honoured his son Ishar Singh with Baba Banda Singh Bahadur award. Immediately after, Ishar Singh left. The kin of Subeg Singh and Amrik Singh, confidantes of Sant Bhindranwale, were also to be honoured.
The assembly chanted slogans to pay their regard to Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, which had the cops deputed outside the fort, on their toes.
Passing a resolution, the radicals criticised the attack on Darbar Sahib but maintained that the incident (Ghallughara) gave them the strength to unite for the cause of Panth.
The radicals urged all to participate in the march, which would proceed for the residence of AICC chief Sonia Gandhi (10, Janpath, Delhi) on November 3. About the Ghallughara Divas, they announced that Sikhs were firm on taking part in the procession, that would begin from Gurudwara Shaheedan to Akal Takht Sahib on June 6.
Jasbir Singh Rode, former Jathedar Akal Takht Sahib, Karnail Singh Peer Mohammad, president, All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF), Bhai Mohkam Singh, convener, Khalsa Action Committee (KAC) and Davinder Singh Sodhi were prominent among those sharing the stage.
Meanwhile, sensing a threat to the law and order during the scheduled Ghallughara procession, the Bathinda SSP submitted a detailed report to the Bathinda DC, in which he clearly mentioned the route of the procession and spots identified as prone to clash and tension among the Dera Sacha Sauda followers and Sikhs on the day. He apprehended that main threat was to the state headquarters of the Dera Sacha Sauda at Salabatpura in Bathinda. Following this, DC Gurkirat Kirpal Singh imposed a ban upon the Ghallughara procession. Imposing section 144 of the CrPC, he asserted that whosoever violated it, would be dealt with strictly.