Security Measures Heightened in Amritsar for Operation Blue Star Anniversary
As the 42nd anniversary of Operation Blue Star approaches, Amritsar has ramped up security measures to ensure peace during commemorative events. Pro-Khalistan slogans were raised at the Golden Temple, prompting the Punjab police to deploy around 4,000 personnel in the area. Special Director General of Police Praveen Kumar Sinha confirmed the extensive security measures, including the involvement of Central Armed Police Forces. This heightened alert aims to maintain order amid the sensitive atmosphere surrounding the anniversary of the operation that took place in 1984.
| Jun 6, 2026, 12:36 IST
Commemoration of Operation Blue Star
On the 42nd anniversary of Operation Blue Star, which aimed to remove militant elements from the Golden Temple in Amritsar, pro-Khalistan slogans were raised within the sacred site on Saturday. Demonstrators gathered in front of the Akal Takht, the highest temporal and spiritual authority in Sikhism, waving posters of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who is believed to have led Sikh militants inside the temple complex during the 1984 operation. June 6 marks the death anniversary of Bhindranwale, who was the head of the Damdami Taksal, a conservative Sikh educational institution established by the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
Enhanced Security Measures in Amritsar
In anticipation of the events surrounding this anniversary, the Punjab police implemented extensive security measures in Amritsar and its surrounding areas. Praveen Kumar Sinha, the Special Director General of Police (Law and Order), visited the district on June 4 to assess the deployment of forces and confirmed that approximately 4,000 police personnel were assigned to maintain a peaceful environment. Speaking to reporters during his visit, Sinha stated, "The anniversary of Operation Blue Star falls on June 6; various programs and events take place, making the security situation quite tense and sensitive. Keeping this in mind, we have established a comprehensive security perimeter throughout Punjab, especially in Amritsar and nearby regions."
Deployment of Additional Forces
Sinha also confirmed that five companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) were deployed within the city limits to bolster the existing police force. He elaborated on the total strength of the deployed forces, stating, "We held extensive meetings yesterday and today. We also conducted ground visits to review the force deployment... Approximately 4,000 police personnel are on duty. We have called in 2,000 police officers from outside the district and 30 gazetted officers, while another 2,000 personnel from the Amritsar district police force are also stationed here and on high alert. Additionally, we have deployed five companies of CAPF within the city of Amritsar."