As the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar approaches on June 6, there is growing disagreement among Sikh groups over who should lead the ceremony at the Akal Takht. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is now under pressure to make a decision that all Sikh organizations (Panthic bodies) can accept to avoid conflict on this emotional and historic day.
Every year, on June 6, a prayer ceremony is held at the Akal Takht to remember those who died during the Indian Army’s Operation Bluestar in 1984. As part of the event, the Jathedar (head priest) of the Akal Takht gives a speech and honours the families of those who lost their lives.
This year, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, the current officiating Jathedar, is expected to lead the ceremony. While some Sikh groups have shown support for him — especially one from Baba Bakala Sahib, saying he has followed Sikh religious practices and served the community well — many major Panthic organisations are against him doing so.
Groups like the Damdami Taksal, Sikh Students Federation, Dal Khalsa, and Nihang organisations have said they don’t accept him as Jathedar. They argue that his appointment didn’t follow the proper process and wasn’t approved by the entire Sikh community.
Damdami Taksal head Baba Harnam Singh Dhuma and the sons of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale — a key figure during the 1984 events — have clearly stated they won’t accept any honours from Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj on June 6. Bhindranwale was the 14th head of the Taksal and died during Operation Bluestar, making his family and followers very emotionally connected to the ceremony.
SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, who recently met with Baba Harnam Singh, said he understands the concerns. Dhuma reportedly told him the current Jathedar wasn’t appointed with full approval of the Panth (the Sikh collective). Dhami assured that efforts are being made to bring all Sikh groups together to agree on how to hold the ceremony respectfully and peacefully.
With just a few days left, everyone is now watching to see what decision the SGPC will make — one that can unite the community and honour the memory of those lost during Operation Bluestar.
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