SGPC Chief Dhami once again holds Congress responsible for June 1984 Tragedy
Calls for Sikh Unity on Bandi Singhs release
Babushahi Bureau
Amritsar (Punjab), June 6, 2026: Marking the 42nd anniversary of Operation Blue Star, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami on Friday described the events of June 1984 as one of the most tragic and unforgettable chapters in Sikh history, while once again holding the then Congress government responsible for the military action at Sri Harmandir Sahib.
Addressing the media at Sri Harmandir Sahib, Dhami said that on the occasion of the martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev Ji in June 1984, thousands of devotees had gathered at the holy shrine when the government ordered military action, resulting in attacks on Sri Akal Takht Sahib and the Harmandir Sahib complex.
He paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the operation, including Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Bhai Amrik Singh, Shabeg Singh and Baba Thara Singh, stating that they displayed exceptional courage while defending their faith and institutions.
Dhami alleged that besides armed Sikh fighters, innocent devotees, women, children and elderly pilgrims who had come to observe the religious occasion also became victims of the violence. He further claimed that essential services such as electricity and water were cut off during the operation, adding that the events of June 1984 continue to leave a deep impact on the Sikh community worldwide.
The SGPC chief said that while Sikhs had faced persecution during the Mughal and British eras, the events of June 1984 in independent India remain a source of profound pain and grief. He added that the Sikh community views the episode as the “Third Ghallughara” rather than merely Operation Blue Star.
Raising the issue of Sikh prisoners, commonly referred to as Bandi Singhs, Dhami expressed concern over the continued incarceration of several convicts.
He said that Balwant Singh Rajoana has spent the past 18 years in a death cell and is still awaiting a decision regarding his case. He also referred to the imprisonment of Jagtar Singh Hawara, Devinderpal Singh Bhullar, Gurdip Singh Khera, Parmjit Singh Ghiora and Jagtar Singh Tara, among others.
Calling for collective action, Dhami urged the Sikh community and Panthic organisations to unite on issues concerning the community. He said differences should be set aside to formulate a common strategy for the welfare of the Sikh community, the release of Bandi Singhs and the resolution of other Panthic concerns.
He concluded by paying tribute to those who lost their lives in June 1984 and appealed to the community to continue remembering its history, heritage and sacrifices.