Dal Khalsa call to observe June 6 as Khalistan Day

Amritsar : Dal Khalsa today made fervent appeal to the Sikhs world over to observe June 6 as ‘Khalistan Day’ saying the step would be a great honour and real homage to Sikh icon Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale whose last words were “If the Indian Army attacks the Darbar Sahib, then the foundation stone of Khalistan will be laid”.
Addressing the gathering to commemorate 32 years of army attack on Darbar Sahib codenamed “operation Blue Star”, party head Harpal Singh Cheema said “Thirty-two years ago, with the attack on Darbar Sahib, the foundation stone for independent state was laid. The sentiments of sovereignty that was strengthened by army attack on Darbar Sahib have not been buried with the passage of time and change in political scenario. There may not be any public manifestation of such sentiments but Sikhs at large desire to be self-ruled. They don’t want to be ruled by New Delhi”.Hundreds of young girls and boys associated with Dal Khalsa took out a march as ‘Genocide Remembrance Parade’ displaying photographs of damaged Akal Takht and Sikh martyrs who died during the operation while fighting against the army. Carrying saffron flags and placards, the participants marched from the organisation’s office near the Railway station, passed through the major lanes of the city and concluded at the Akal Takht after performing ardas (prayer service). They raised slogans demanding Khalistan.Eulogizing Sant Bhindranwale and his associates for their bravery, Cheema said “The fight against India’s army was heroic and took place under impossible conditions”. He urged the youth to demonstrate courage, resolve and steadfastness. “We can achieve our goal while adhering to democratic and peaceful means if we together move ahead in one direction,” said Cheema while stressing for unity of thought and action among the people to take the ongoing freedom struggle to its logical end.Former president of the organization H S Dhami said the Indian state has attacked our holiest shrine, ruining our pride and honour, killing and incarcerating thousands, but the irony of it all is that “India is still a great secular nation” and Sikhs were deliberately and systematically portrayed as “terrorists”.He said there was a change in political leadership with some Sikhs at the helm of affairs both at centre and the state. This however has not healed our wounds of June 84.Party spokesperson Kanwar Pal Singh reiterated their groups call for Amritsar Bandh on June 6 to protest against the army assault. He said thousands of innocent pilgrims, SGPC employees, political activists and volunteers were slaughtered by the forces during the attack.He said since Indian state ordered the attack, they did not expect any justice from it. Appealing to the UN and the US to come forward, he said Sikhs awaits the world powers to rise above their commercial interests and act against the oppressor state.