Chowk Mehta, June 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The 42nd martyrdom anniversary of the Third Ghallughara (June 1984) was observed today at Gurdwara Gurdarshan Parkash, Mehta, the headquarters of Damdami Taksal, under the leadership of Damdami Taksal chief Sant Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale. A massive congregation gathered to pay homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives during the events of June 1984.
The internationally attended event witnessed a large Panthic assembly comprising prominent saints, religious leaders, representatives and office-bearers of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), Nihang Singh organizations, and numerous social, religious, and political personalities from across India and abroad.
The overwhelming participation of Sikh devotees, who arrived in large numbers to honor the martyrs, reflected their continued faith in Damdami Taksal’s commitment to Sikh principles, discipline, and traditions. The gathering reaffirmed that the Taksal has steadfastly upheld its religious code and ideological values.
During the event, Bhai Ishar Singh, son of Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale, along with families of martyrs and Sikh prisoners, was honored. This year’s “Seva Ratan Award” was presented to Sant Baba Ram Singh Rishikesh for his distinguished services.
Addressing the congregation, Sant Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa said that after the era of the Sikh Gurus, few Sikh personalities have received as much reverence and respect from the Sikh community as Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale. He described Bhindranwale as a rare combination of courage, spirituality, selflessness, and devotion, blessed with exceptional qualities.
Referring to the events of June 1984, Sant Harnam Singh stated that the military action carried out under the then Congress government led by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi targeted Sri Darbar Sahib, Sri Akal Takht Sahib, and dozens of other gurdwaras.
He said that the Sikh defenders, including members of Damdami Taksal, resisted with determination and embraced martyrdom rather than submit to force. He also recalled that many innocent devotees who had gathered to observe the martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev Ji became victims during the operation.
He further noted that Sant Bhindranwale played a significant role in reconnecting Sikh youth with Sikh values, Gurbani, and Panthic consciousness at a time when many were drifting away from their religious roots.
Sant Harnam Singh also paid tribute to Bhai Kehar Singh, Bhai Beant Singh, and Bhai Satwant Singh, recalling their sacrifices and dedication to the Sikh cause.
Demanding the immediate release of Sikh prisoners, he urged the Government of India to take concrete and meaningful steps toward resolving long-pending issues concerning Punjab. He emphasized that justice, dialogue, and respect for constitutional rights remain essential for strengthening peace and national unity.
Sikh Religious Leaders Highlight Legacy of Sacrifice
Giani Amarjit Singh, Head Granthi of Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib, and Bhai Pinderpal Singh, Granthi of Sri Darbar Sahib, stated that the martyrs of Damdami Taksal who lost their lives defending Sikh shrines during the events of 1984 constitute a proud and enduring legacy. They highlighted the Taksal’s historic role in preserving Sikh values and promoting Gurbani, Sikh identity, and Panthic traditions.
Representing Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded, Giani Sarabjit Singh recalled Sant Bhindranwale’s spiritual devotion and service at Nanded Sahib. He said that Bhindranwale and his associates made immense sacrifices for the dignity of the Sikh nation and the advancement of the Panth.
He also praised Sant Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa’s efforts in promoting Sikh awareness and religious education among Sikh communities in Maharashtra.
SGPC President Praises Damdami Taksal’s Contribution
SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami commended Sant Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa for continuously guiding the Sikh community through the promotion of Gurbani, Sikh identity, and Panthic principles. He stated that Damdami Taksal enjoys a strong influence both in India and abroad and continues to play a vital role in strengthening Sikh consciousness.
Dhami emphasized the need for Sikh unity and strongly advocated efforts for the release of Sikh prisoners. Describing Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale as a transformative personality, he said Bhindranwale inspired countless young people to embrace Sikh teachings and discipline.
Referring to June 1984, Dhami said that Sant Bhindranwale and his associates displayed extraordinary courage while defending Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Sri Darbar Sahib, carrying forward the legacy of Sikh martyrs such as Baba Deep Singh Ji.
DSGMC President Calls for Release of Sikh Prisoners
DSGMC President Harmeet Singh Kalka strongly advocated the release of Sikh prisoners and expressed concern over alleged illegal religious conversions in Punjab. He assured SGPC of full cooperation from the Delhi Committee in matters concerning Sikh interests and suggested the formation of a joint committee to further strengthen Sikh religious outreach and educational initiatives.
Maharashtra Minister Calls June 6 a Dark Day in Sikh History
Girish Mahajan, Maharashtra’s Water Resources Minister, who attended on behalf of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, described June 6 as a dark chapter in Sikh history that should never be forgotten. He criticized the military operation conducted at Sri Harmandir Sahib and Sri Akal Takht Sahib and expressed condolences for the loss of innocent lives. He also highlighted efforts undertaken by the Maharashtra government for the welfare and development of the Sikh community in the state.
Speakers Pay Tribute to Martyrs
Prominent Sikh preacher Baba Banta Singh Munda Pind and several other religious scholars and speakers paid homage to the martyrs of June 1984 and emphasized the importance of preserving Sikh heritage, identity, and historical memory
The speakers collectively praised Damdami Taksal’s contribution toward the propagation of Sikh teachings, Gurbani, and Sikh values. They also lauded Sant Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa’s initiatives, including:
Establishment of a Martyrs’ Gallery.
Installation of portraits of martyrs of the Third Ghallughara.
Publication of a 16-volume detailed interpretation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Ongoing efforts for the beautification and preservation of the martyrdom site of Baba Deep Singh Ji.
The speakers described Damdami Taksal as a unique institution that continues to serve the Sikh Panth under the blessings of the Guru.
The stage proceedings were conducted by Bhai Randhir Singh and Giani Sahib Singh. A large number of religious leaders, SGPC members, Sikh scholars, representatives of Sikh organizations, families of martyrs, former Sikh prisoners, and prominent personalities from India and abroad attended the commemorative event.
The gathering concluded with collective prayers, tributes to the martyrs, and renewed calls for Sikh unity, religious awareness, and justice for long-pending Sikh issues.
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