Amritsar: In a controversial move, Punjab’s ruling Shiromani Akali Dal-controlled SGPC on Thursday installed a portrait of slain Khalistan militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale in the Golden Temple museum here.

The installation ceremony was attended by the son of the former Damdami Taksal head Isher Singh, SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar, Akal Takht jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti and current Taksal chief Baba Harnam Singh Dhuma among others.

‘Kirtans’ (hymns) were sung and prayers offered as Bhindranwale’s portrait was placed alongside paintings dating to the 15th century in the Sikh heritage museum.

Bowing to the demands of radicals within the body, Mr. Makkar had announced installing the portrait of the Khalistan Commando Force chief in the museum soon after being elected SGPC chief for a third consecutive term last week.

The KCF chief was killed during the ‘Operation Bluestar’ in June 1984 to flush out militants holed up inside the Golden Temple. PTI

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