Marching Sikhs brought a much needed splash of colour to a dreary London today. The annual rally commemorating the attack on Darbar Sahib and other Gurdwaras in the Panjab in June 1984, took place today in Central London. Marchers gathered in Hyde Park to hear speeches from leaders of various Sikh organisations. There was an air of tension following the recent proscription of Babbar Khalsa and ISYF by the British Government, but the crowds started marching in the unison with the cries of Bole So Nihaal - Sat Sri Akaal! Never forget... '84!
Traffic was brought to a stand still while the marchers, led by Panj Pyare with swords drawn, crossed Park Lane. Passing by famous London landmarks, onlookers were handed colourful leaflets explaining the reasons behind the rally.
The police, including a Sikh
officer, were on hand to help the event run smoothly. After marching up
Park Lane the march turned left towards Piccadilly Circus, after which the
marchers walked down Haymarket and into Trafalgar Square heading towards
the Indian High Commission.
Further
Links to background of the events of 1984
History
Channel report
From the
Sikhism Home Page
Account of Operation Bluestar