Heated Controversy Over Portrait of Militant Sikh Leader Erupts In India

In the Indian state of Punjab, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Rajinder kaur Bhattal has demanded removal of a controversial portrait of a Sikh militant leader being installed in the Sikh museum of the Golden Temple in the holy city of Amristar. (Punjab News, 12/3). Today's Punjab News reports that the controversy involves a portrait of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindrenwala who headed the Damdami Taksal in 1983-84, a period in which the group spearheaded terrorist attacks. In Operation Blue Star in June 1984, then Prime Minister Indra Gandhi sent the Army to flush out militants hiding the Golden Temple. Hundreds died in the resulting operation. Baba Harnam Singh Dhuma, current head Damdami Taksal, said the criticism of the installation of the portrait amounts to interference in the internal affairs of Sikhs and, if continued, would disturb the peaceful situation in Punjab.