The recent attack incident on Lt Gen (retd) KS Brar has once again started debate on Punjab government’s move to built a memorial dedicated to militants killed during the Operation Bluestar in Amritsar’s Golden Temple in 1984.
However, the construction work at the memorial hall is going on full swing but the Sikh community is divided into two groups. The ruling party in Punjab Shiromani Akali Dal (B) is in support of the memorial hall but the state Congress is opposed to it.
Punjab Congress President and former Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has accused chief minister Parkash Singh Badal of playing the militancy card and not letting old wounds heal.
Meanwhile, Damdami Taksal, a Sikh seminary also lead by Sikh militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, is building the memorial
Talking to media, Damdami Taksal chief Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa said, “The memorial will be a temple of peace, compassion and non-violence. The work should be completed by next June.”
Further, he said, “Sant Jarnail Singh did whatever he felt was right for the welfare of the panth then. I am doing what I feel is right for the panth now.”
On the other hand, the memorial will be 18-feet tall with round-the-clock ‘Parkash’ of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Hindu organizations also demanded a memorial for all victims of militancy.
