Tension in Amritsar as Hindu activists threaten to burn Bhindranwale’s effigy
AMRITSAR: A day after the 33rd anniversary of Operation Bluestar, tension gripped the city on Wednesday as some Hindu right wing organisations announced to burn an effigy of slain militant preacher Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale at Bhandari bridge here on Wednesday to protest against “terrorism”.
These bodies included All India Hindu Sangharsh Committee and Shiv Sena (Punjab).
However, members of Sikh radical bodies, including Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), gathered at the venue before 3pm, the scheduled time for Hindu activists’ protest, to foil it. They were carrying kirpans and sticks.
To prevent a clash, the authorities deployed a large number of cops near the bridge.
Senior police officials, including assistant commissioner of police (east) Prabhjot Singh Virk, tried to pacify Sikh hardliners, saying the police would not allow Hindu activists to burn the effigy. But Sikh radicals stayed unmoved and kept on waiting for Hindu protesters.
They also demanded a case against Hindu activists for hurting their religious sentiments as Bhindranwale was an “honourable religious personality”.
The police officials asked them to submit a written complaint so that action can be taken. The Sikh activists left the spot after handing over a complaint. However, Hindu activists did not turn up at the venue and the police had a sigh of relief. Later, they met deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Amarjit Singh Bajwa and demanded a case against Sikh activists for allegedly attacking members of All India Hindu Sangharsh Committee on Tuesday when they were trying to burn an effigy of “terrorists” near Lohalgarh Gate. They also alleged that “Khalistanis” are threatening to kill them.
SIKH RADICALS GATHERED AT PROTEST VENUE, BUT HINDU ACTIVISTS DID NOT TURN UP AMID HEAVY POLICE DEPLOYMENT