AMRITSAR:
A clash took place inside Golden Temple here when a group of youths raised pro-Khalistan slogans, which was opposed by SGPC volunteers, leaving five persons injured.
According to police, the incident took place as members of the SGPC’s Task Force resorted to lathicharge on a group of 22 Sikh youths who were raising pro-Khalistan slogans on the periphery of the temple near Akal Takht in connection with the 31st anniversary of Operation Bluestar.
Five of the protesting youths were injured in the action with two of them sustaining head injuries.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Parmpal Singh said that trouble started as the group of 22 people raised pro-Khalistan slogans and were joined in it by some Sikh youths who had come to the temple.
That prompted the SGPC Task Force members to disperse them and the slogan-chanting youths were forced to move outside Golden Temple, where all 22 of them were taken into preventive custody by police.
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Avtar Singh Makkar said the incident was the handiwork of some “suspicious elements” who raised separatist slogans while brandishing naked swords.
SGPC further said the incident act has hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community as it alleged that many of those who had created the disturbance inside the Golden Temple premises were clean shaven and had come just to disturb the sanctity of the holy place. (AGENCIES)
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