Amritsar, June 7 -- The 42nd anniversary of Operation Bluestar passed off peacefully at Akal Takht on Saturday amid tight security. Addressing the gathering from the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs, acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj called upon the global Sikh diaspora to stay rooted to their homeland, while raising concerns over the treatment of the community outside the state. Following the bhog of the Akhand Path (uninterrupted recitation of Guru Granth Sahib) and Gurbani kirtan, prayers were offered to pay tribute to those killed during the 1984 military action. The jathedar also delivered the customary sandesh (address). Parallelly, Dhian Singh Mand, the Sarbat Khalsa-designated acting jathedar, also attended with supporters and delivered his own address. Amid the ongoing Panthic friction over the unceremonious removal of former jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, Damdami Taksal chief Harnam Singh Dhumma boycotted the central congregation at Akal Takht. Adhering to the seminary's traditional practice, Dhumma instead led the Taksal's commemmorative event at its headquarters in Chowk Mehta to mark the anniversary. In his address, Giani Gargaj raised concerns over recent incidents in Himachal Pradesh, alleging that visiting Sikhs faced discrimination based on their turbans and beards. He asserted that Sikhs would no longer tolerate being treated as "second-class citizens because of their distinct identity". The acting jathedar appealed to the global Sikh diaspora, urging families settled abroad not to sever ties with Punjab or sell their ancestral land and property, describing Punjab as the land of the Gurus and martyrs. He encouraged families to bring their children to Punjab, visit Sri Darbar Sahib, and strengthen their connection with Sikh heritage. With the upcoming 450th anniversary of the founding of Amritsar by Guru Ram Das, the jathedar criticised the authorities for undertaking infrastructure upgrades only during major historical milestones. Concluding his address, he said: "In 1984, Sikhs fought against a powerful state while maintaining unwavering faith in Sikh principles and their Guru. The community continues to face challenges from various directions today. I call upon it to draw inspiration from martyrs, remain patient, united, and steadfast in confronting future challenges." A complete shutdown was observed across Amritsar on Saturday following a strike call by Dal Khalsa....