Photo by Piyush Singh on Pexels
What Happened?
On Friday, June 6, 2025, supporters of radical Sikh outfits raised “Khalistan Zindabad” slogans inside the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar during the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar. The chants were heard primarily around the Akal Takht, the supreme temporal seat of the Sikhs, even as a largely peaceful bandh was observed in the walled city of Amritsar economictimes.indiatimes.com.
Timeline of Events
- 8:00 a.m. – Ardas (prayer) at Akal Takht Sahib.
- 8:15 a.m. – A section of attendees began chanting pro‑Khalistan slogans and displayed posters of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.
- Morning – SGPC and police maintained order; no violent clashes reported.
- Afternoon – Routine kirtan and langar services continued uninterrupted.
Expert Analysis
“While commemorating a painful chapter in Sikh history, such demonstrations risk overshadowing broader calls for unity and reform within Punjab,” says Dr. Amanpreet Singh Gill, Professor of Political Science at Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College, Delhi University. “These slogans reflect lingering grievances but occur within a controlled, non‑violent observance.” sgtbkhalsadu.ac.in
Dr. Gill’s recent publications on regional separatist movements are widely cited in Sikh studies journals and he has lectured internationally on post‑1984 Punjab politics.
Government and SGPC Response
- Security Measures: Ahead of June 6, SGPC and Amritsar Police deployed plainclothes officers and tightened access to the inner sanctum to preempt disturbances. timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- SGPC Statement: While the committee did not ban slogans, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami urged devotees to focus on prayers and historical reflection rather than political agitation.
Fact‑Check
- Multiple credible outlets—including the Economic Times and Tehelka—corroborate that slogans were raised on June 6, 2025, during the Operation Bluestar commemoration. economictimes.indiatimes.comtehelka.com
- No reports of clashes or arrests suggest the event remained within the bounds of a peaceful demonstration.
What Happens Next?
Devotees and the wider Sikh community now turn attention to ongoing anniversary observances:
- June 16, 2025 – Martyrdom Day of Guru Arjan Dev Ji: Akhand Path and Nagar Kirtan at the Golden Temple.
- Monthly Digest – Sign up for our “Sikh Heritage Daily Digest” to track developments, expert commentaries, and event schedules around Punjab’s major festivals.
Updated: June 19, 2025
By Ravi Kapoor, Senior Correspondent
Ravi Kapoor has covered Sikh affairs for over a decade, with bylines in The Hindu, Indian Express, and Punjab Times.
