Ludhiana, Punjab: In a highly provocative move some local leaders of Congress party tore images of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale from posters/ hoardings placed by the Damdami Taksal (Mehta).
Punjab Congress secretary Parminder Mehta and organising secretary Sarvjeet Singh Bunty removed hoardings related to Ghallughara (June 1984 Sikh Genocide) Day from Firozepur road, Ludhiana. The hoardings were fixed by Damdami Taksal (Mehta) led by Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma.
In a written statement released to media persons in Ludhaina, Parminder Mehta termed Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale as “terrorist”. He said that Congress party won’t tolerate any poster or banner promoting or supporting “terrorist” activities in Punjab.
He blamed Badal-BJP combine government in Punjab for allowing Sikh organisations to observe Ghallughara day. He claimed that observing martyrdom day or “Ghallughara (Holocaust) day” was a “seditious” activity of creating a divide between communities.
Parminder Mehta’s activity is likely to offend Sikh sangat and Sikh organizations because it dishonours Sikh martyrs.
It is pertinent to note here that Indian Army’s June 1984 attack on Darbar Sahib and other Sikh Gurdwaras in Punjab and adjoining states is regarding as third major Ghallughara (holocaust) of Sikh history. Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the then chief of Damdami Taksal, and other Sikh warriors defended the Darbar Shaib complex from Indian army’s attack and attained martyrdom. Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, and other Sikh warriors, who laied their lives defending the Darbar Sahib complex are declared as ‘martyrs’ by Akal Takht Sahib. Their martyrdom day is observed on 6 June every year. Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale was declared as great Sikh of 20th century by the Sikh panth.