Akhand Path begins ahead of Operation Blue Star anniversary; security tightened in Punjab

Punjab is on high alert as an Akhand Path commenced at Harmandir Sahib, signaling the sensitive 42nd anniversary of Operation Blue Star on June 6. This year's commemoration is particularly fraught, preceding crucial Punjab Assembly elections later in 2026, compelling state authorities to deploy extensive security measures across the region to pre-empt any potential unrest. The annual observance of Ghallughara Day routinely draws large crowds and emotional tributes, but the looming electoral contest has amplified political sensitivities. The Punjab Police, bolstered by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), has implemented multi-layered security cordons around Amritsar and other vulnerable areas, leveraging drone surveillance and heightened intelligence gathering to monitor radical elements often associated with the Khalistan movement. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is overseeing the religious ceremony amid these tightened controls, aiming for a peaceful remembrance. As the Bhog ceremony approaches on June 6, all eyes will be on Amritsar for any attempts by fringe groups to disrupt peace or exploit the occasion for political gain. The state government is under pressure to ensure a tranquil anniversary while balancing the right to peaceful remembrance with national security imperatives, setting a critical tone for the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections and the region's broader stability. The handling of this volatile period will undoubtedly influence public sentiment and political narratives in the months ahead.