Chandigarh, June 5
Security has been stepped up in Amritsar as the Punjab Police prepare for the June 6 observance of Ghallughara Divas, commemorating the anniversary of Operation Blue Star. Senior officers have reviewed the city’s readiness, with reinforcements deployed across Amritsar and its adjoining areas to ensure law and order. According to senior Punjab police officials, Amritsar is under a tight security cordon.
To ensure peace and order, Punjab Police have launched a massive operation. Nearly 4,000 personnel have been deployed across the city, backed by five companies of Central Armed Police Forces, including BSF, ITBP and RAF. Senior officers led flag marches through all three police zones, covering crowded markets, bus stands, railway stations, and historic neighborhoods, signaling readiness and reassuring residents.
DCP (Law and Order) Alam Vijay Singh, Amritsar, confirmed that a flag march has been conducted in connection with Ghallughara Divas (Operation Blue Star). This is to instill a sense of security among the people. It includes paramilitary forces, police from our district and police forces allocated from other districts.
Amritsar Commissioner of Police Gurpreet Singh Bhullar has declared his force “ready for anything,” stressing that the safety of pilgrims and locals remains the top priority. Checkpoints have sprung up across Amritsar, with thorough vehicle inspections and security checks. Surveillance has been intensified—both electronic and on the ground—at major public spots and religious landmarks.
The core focus remains Sri Harmandir Sahib, where the largest gatherings are expected. Working in coordination with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), police have rolled out crowd-control strategies, deploying extra staff to manage queues and keep movement smooth inside and outside the shrine.
Authorities have also issued public advisories, warning against rumor-mongering on social media. Residents and devotees are urged to rely only on official bulletins and report any suspicious activity immediately.
With forces on high alert and visible police presence across the city, officials are confident that the commemorations will remain peaceful.
Meanwhile, in a video message, Bhullar assured that all the security arrangements are in place. A meeting has been held with the SGPC authorities and there is another meeting scheduled for today as well, so that no violation of the maryada (religious code of conduct) takes place in any manner.
“The main motive is that while security is undoubtedly a priority, the sangat (devotees) arriving here should face no problems and should be facilitated. They should be able to peacefully participate in the congregation, which is a very solemn occasion,” he asserted.
Bhullar said, “Regarding the overall security, let me share that we have set up 66 specialized and important checkpoints (nakas), which also involve the CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces). In view of the overall security, we have formed specialized squads that are conducting random checks wherever they spot suspicious individuals, youth riding aimlessly on motorcycles or moving around without any reason or without number plates. Additionally, all our escape routes have been plugged.”
Bhullar further said that apart from our three DCPs, five officers of Commandant rank are deployed. “A total of 4,000 personnel are deployed, including the force from the Amritsar Police Commissionerate. More than 30 Gazetted Officers are on the ground. We have also deployed mounted police—10 mounts are patrolling the congested areas,” he informed.
Bhullar reiterated, “As I mentioned earlier, complete coordination has been established with the SGPC and their Task Force. The main objective is to maintain peace and I appeal to everyone to do so. We have always received great cooperation from the public. This time too, the public’s response has been excellent—whether during our visits to Sri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) or during flag marches and confidence-building measures in the nearby markets, the public has extended wonderful cooperation.”
