The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which manages Sikh shrines, has banned videography and photography inside the premises of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. This rule has come into effect from today, that is, Friday.

According to SGPC member Bhagwant Singh Sialka, this ban was imposed as visitors use the holy place as a picnic spot or selfie point. People also shoot such reels and share them on social media, which is unacceptable.

He said that if the rules are not obeyed, action will be taken against them. Meanwhile, placards are being used to spread awareness about this new rule.

ALSO READ: Rape Convict Gurmeet Ram Rahim Approaches HC Seeking 21-Day Furlough, Hearing In July

The Golden Temple also known as the Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar is one of the most sacred religious places. It is the most prominent Gurudwara of the Sikhs. Everyday thousands of tourists from different parts of the country visit Harmandir Sahib.

In the 1980s, Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a pro-Khalistan leader, governed Punjab. To combat the state's growing extremism and radicalism, the then-government initiated Operation Blue Star. Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale was in Harmandir Sahib at the time. Bhindranwale was killed in the operation. However, the Akal Takht of Harmandir Sahib sustained significant damage.