The Sikh community should remain united and connected to its roots in Punjab, Acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht Kuldeep Singh Gargaj said on the 42nd anniversary of Ghallughara (Operation Bluestar) on Saturday. He expressed concern that Sikh identity and religious symbols were being “targeted globally”.Thousands of devotees, members of Sikh organisations, political activists and representatives of various Panthic groups gathered at the Golden Temple complex to observe the anniversary amid tight security arrangements.Except for pro-Khalistan slogans raised by a few hardline groups following Gargaj’s address, the commemorative event remained largely peaceful. A heavy deployment of Punjab Police personnel and security agencies was in place in and around the shrine complex.Addressing the gathering, Gargaj called upon Sikhs across India and abroad to unite in the face of emerging challenges and strengthen their connection with the Panth and Punjab. He said Sikhs must preserve their identity by passing Sikh values and traditions on to future generations. He urged community members not to sell their ancestral land in Punjab and instead strengthen their social, economic and religious foundations to collectively face future challenges.Gargaj alleged that Sikhs were increasingly facing hostility and discrimination in different parts of the world. He claimed that the community was being made to feel like second-class citizens, a situation Sikhs could not accept. Referring to recent developments in the UK, he said the issue surrounding the killing of Henry Nowak was being used to target the Sikh article of faith, the kirpan, globally. He also expressed concern over what he described as interference in Sikh institutions and internal religious affairs.Drawing parallels with the political circumstances preceding Operation Bluestar, Gargaj alleged that governments continued to impose decisions on the Sikh community without adequate consultation. He criticised the Punjab Government over the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, claiming that the Sikh community had not been taken into confidence.According to him, the focus should have been on ensuring strict punishment for those responsible for sacrilege cases and delivering justice to victims. He alleged that the Act was against Sikh interests. Gargaj also questioned the progress in several high-profile cases, including sacrilege incidents and the 2017 Maur bombing case, stating that affected families were still awaiting justice.He also highlighted environmental concerns and the condition of Amritsar ahead of the city’s 450th foundation anniversary celebrations next year. He said Sikh teachings emphasise the protection of nature and the environment, but governments had failed to maintain the sanctity and cleanliness of the holy city.