Amritsar, Punjab (June 06, 2014): Mild altercation over handing over mic for making a speech turned into bloodily clashes between SGPC’s “Task Force” and some youth groups supposed to be supporters of Simran Jeet Singh Mann led Mann Dal.
As the SGPC task force resorted to indiscriminate lathi-charge near Akal Takhat Sahib, many from the Sikh Sangat – including elderly and women were also hit.
According to eye witnesses 5 to 6 people were injured. Few were very badly beaten up by the Task force.
Large number of Sikhs had today gathered to observe the 30 anniversary of Ghallughara June 1984 and pay their respects to the Sikh martyrs. The event is held at Akal Takht every year.
As the speeches were made to commemorate the 30th anniversary, Simranjit Singh Mann the president of Shiromani Akali Dal Amritsar rose to deliver his speech but was denied opportunity by the people handling stage on behalf of SGPC.
Mann and his supporters came downstairs and held their own stage. The altercation broke down between Mann Dal supporters and SGPC official over handing over mic to S. Mann for making a speech.
Meanwhile, a group of youth went upstairs and raised slogans, including pro-Khalistan and anti-SGPC slogans, inside the Akal Takht that had worsen the situation.
“Swords were taken out and the two groups – one owing allegiance to Simranjit Singh Mann and the other, the Task Force of the SGPC – attacked each other. There was commotion around and the Sikh sangat ran to their rescue as both the groups fought a pitched battle injuring around half a dozen people”, the report reads further.
SGPC member Kiranjot Kaur has reportedly criticized S. Simranjeet Singh Mann. She said that Simranjit Singh Mann group has been doing this every year and it was expected of them this time too. She said that instead of interrupting and disrupting the SGPC event, Mann should plan a separate programme.
On the other hand Mann Dal leaders reportedly criticized SGPC for not allowing the speech of Simran Jeet Singh Mann.
After repeated incidents of clash police force in large numbers arrived outside Darbar Sahib complex. However, it soon returned away from the complex.