AMRITSAR, Punjab, India: Khalistan flag was hoisted at Amritsar and Indian National flag was burnt amidst the raising of Khalistan and Bhindranwale Zindabad slogans by thousands of Sikhs who thronged to the Golden Temple to attend the Sarbat KhaIsa convention on January 26. More than thirty thousand Sikhs participated in the convention despite determined efforts by the security forces to stop them from going to the Golden Temple. Road blocks were put up and humiliating searches were conducted to discourage them from participating.
The convention was attended by Singh Sahib (Prof.) Darshan Singh, Jathedar Akal Takht, Singh Sahib Giani Puran Singh, Head Priest Harmandir Sahib, Singh Sahib Kashmira Singh, Head Priest Akal Takht, Singh Sahib Davinder Singh, Jathedar Takht Keshgarh Sahib and Singh Sahib Jaswant Singh, Jathedar Takht Damdama Sahib.
Rich tributes were paid to Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale for bringing about a new awareness among the Sikhs and for raising the banner of freedom. Three Sikh leaders who have been declared “proclaimed offenders” by the government and carry high rewards on their heads openly addressed the convention.
Meanwhile four persons including one woman and three children were shot dead by the Tripura separatist guerrillas who are waging a violent campaign for the independence of Tripura State.
Article extracted from this publication >> January 30, 1987
