Operation Bluestar anniversary: Police on toes

With many Sikh organisations and Hindu factions gearing up to observe the 33rd anniversary of Operation Bluestar on June 6, the police officials here are on toes. Supporters have put up hoardings across the city paying tribute to their ‘heroes’.

Sikh hardliners installed posters with photograph of militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale on Friday.

Shiv Sena activists have demanded removal of Bhindranwale’s posters.

Following this the Hindu outfit also installed posters with photographs of the then DGP Punjab KPS Gill Punjab and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on Saturday.

DIG Jalandhar Jaskaran Singh held a meeting with Kapurthala senior superintendent of police (SSP) SK Sharma, SP Phagwara Harwinder Singh, SDM Phagwara Balbir Singh and members of Peace Committee Phagwara to discuss the security arrangements. DIG asked the police to not allow any religious group to install hoardings in the city.

“Any group who wants to install a hoarding before May 6 should seek permission from the local administration two days before installation,” DIG Singh said.

He has also asked the administration to not allow anyone to install more than 2X2 size posters. Also people have to inform the administration before organising ‘Shabeeles’, community kitchens and people should not carry any sharp edged weapons at these spots.

Both factions have been asked to remove the hoardings before the 6 pm on May 6.

Activists of Sikh and Hindu outfits have also been asked to not misuse social media.