'Martyrdom' conferred on Bhindranwale

By Sarabjit Pandher

AMRITSAR, JUNE 6. Even as a congregation of radical Sikh organisations performed religious services to confer ``martyrdom'' on the slain militant, Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, today, the Akal Takht Jathedar, Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, directed the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to constitute a committee to probe his death.

While different organisations held functions to observe ``Ghallughara Divas'' (genocide day) to mark the 17th anniversary of Operation Bluestar, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) stayed away. (The SAD, headed by the Chief Minister, Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, had moved a resolution in the Budget session of the Assembly this year condemning `Operation Bluestar').

A congregation, under the aegis of the Shaheed Sant Jarnail Singh and Ghallughara Yaadgar Committee, performed a religious service to signify the acceptance of the ``martyrdom'' in the Golden Temple courtyard facing the Akal Takht.

However, the Damdami Taksal - religious seminary headed by Bhindranwale at the time of the operation, refused to accept his death. At a function held at its headquarters, prayers were held for the ``Chardikala'' (high spirits) of Bhindranwale.

In the wake of the controversy, Jathedar Vedanti wrote to the SGPC directing it to constitute a committee of scholars and legal experts, within 15 days, to find out the ``truth'' about the whereabouts of Bhindranwale, and set a time-frame for submitting its report. However, the SGPC chief, Mr. Jagdev Singh Talwandi, refused recognition to any such committee.

Earlier, a `bhog' ceremony was performed inside the Akal Takht in memory of all those who died in the operation.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : National
Previous : Jaswant statement unhealthy: Lone
Next     : Only SAD has a Panthic agenda: Akal Takht chief