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Clashes at India's Golden Temple

6 June 2014 Last updated at 07:50 Sikh activists clash with members of the SGPC during commemorations for the 30th anniversary of Operation Blue Star at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on June 6, 2014 Footage showed men running down temple steps lashing out with their swords Several people have been injured after Sikh groups brandishing swords clashed at India's Golden Temple as special prayers were held to mark the deadly military offensive there in 1984.

Reports said the fight at Sikhism's holiest shrine was over who would speak first at the ceremony and that a scuffle broke out over a microphone.

Footage showed men running down temple steps lashing out with their swords.

Reports said at least three people had been taken to hospital with injuries.

The Indian government says 400 people and 87 soldiers were killed during the military raid to flush out Sikh separatists from the Golden Temple at Amritsar, codenamed Operation Blue Star.

But Sikh groups say the number of casualties was much higher and estimate it closer to 1,000.

On Friday, hundreds of Sikhs had gathered at the shrine to remember those killed in the June 6 raid 30 years ago, but the ceremony soon erupted into chaos.

"Today we were supposed to have a solemn remembrance for the martyrs of 1984, so what has happened is very sad," Prem Singh Chandumajra, a spokesman for Punjab state's ruling party Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), told reporters.

"The Temple has once again been dishonoured today," he added.

Mr Chandumajra said the clashes in the holy place were unacceptable and that the temple management would take action against those involved.


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