Central forces take guard in Amritsar ahead of Operation Bluestar anniv

Paramilitary forces have been deployed in Amritsar ahead of the Operation Bluestar anniversary falling on June 6.

Five companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and one of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) have taken guard at key locations across the city.

Police are also gearing up to make the security foolproof. The Amritsar has 3,500 cops and more will be called from the neighbouring districts.

The troops have taken positions at Hall Gate, Lawrence Road, Kitchlew Chowk and in walled city. The paramilitary troops will also assist the police in night surveillance and frisking at bus stand, railway station and other public places.

Amritsar police commissioner Amar Singh Chahal said, “The paramilitary troops have been deployed. Six companies have reached us and a couple of more are expected. We will also get additional police personnel.”The police are also planning to install cameras at some locations in the city.

The paramilitary troops will also be deployed outside and on roads leading to the Golden Temple.

Notably, last year also there were clashes between members of Sikh radical groups and SGPC employees inside the shrine. A group of youths who were rallying around brandishing swords had also clashed with cops.

In 2014, a clash took place between the radicals and SGPC Task Force, in which several people were injured.

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Dal Khalsa gives call for ‘Amritsar bandh’ on June 6

To mark the 32 years of the Operation Bluestar, radical Sikh body Dal Khalsa has given a call for Amritsar bandh on June 6.

The organisation will also take out a Remembrance Parade from its party office to Akal Takht in the evening on June 3—marking the day when the military action had started at the shrine.

Dal Khalsa spokesperson Kanwar Pal Singh said, “Young activists associated with the organisation carrying saffron flags and placards will march across the city.”

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