On Op Blue Star anniversary, Jathedar’s call to Sikhs to stay true to roots

Amritsar: On the 42nd anniversary of Operation Blue Star on Saturday, the officiating Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, urged Sikhs residing abroad to maintain strong and meaningful ties with Punjab and their cultural heritage.Addressing the gathering, Giani Gargajj emphasized the importance of ensuring that younger generations remain connected to their roots, traditions, and values. He appealed to overseas Sikhs to avoid selling their ancestral lands, describing such assets as an integral part of their identity and legacy."Remaining connected to our roots is of utmost importance. We must strengthen these bonds to effectively confront the significant challenges that lie ahead," he said.Operation Bluestar anniversary was observed at Akal Takht in Golden Temple complex amid heightened emotions and extensive security deployment across the city. Various hardline groups raised slogans for Khalistan.The officiating Jathedar also censured the Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, alleging that efforts were being made to bring Sikh religious institutions and traditions under greater legal control. He argued that such measures could weaken established Sikh institutions and traditions.SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, officiating Jathedar Giani Gargaj and Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Tek Singh honoured several family members of those killed during Operation Bluestar.Markets closedMany shops and market places remained closed in response to a shutdown call given by Sikh radical body Dal Khalsa to commemorate the events of June 1984 on Saturday. However, banks and other institutions remained open. No untoward incident was reported.