Shri AS Atwal was a distinguished officer of the Punjab Police, known for his integrity, dedication, and courage. Born and raised in Punjab, he had always been committed to maintaining peace and justice in the region. His position as DIG came with great responsibility, especially during a time when the state was grappling with the rising tide of insurgency and violence instigated by the Khalistani separatist movement.
On the fateful day of April 25, 1983, Shri Atwal visited Sri Harmandir Sahib, as he often did, to offer his prayers. The Golden Temple, revered by millions, was a place where the devout came seeking peace and solace. However, on that day, this sanctuary was violated in the most heinous manner.
As Shri Atwal finished his prayers and stepped out of the temple complex, he was ambushed by a group of Khalistani militants. In broad daylight, and within the premises of one of the most sacred sites in the world, he was shot multiple times. The militants, in a display of brutal callousness, left his body lying there, bleeding and unattended. The Golden Temple, which had always been a symbol of compassion and humanity, was stained with the blood of a man who had only sought to serve and protect.
The assassination of Shri Atwal was not just an attack on a police officer; it was an assault on the very fabric of Punjab’s society. It was a clear message from the extremists that they would stop at nothing to instill fear and assert their dominance. The militants’ brazen act shocked the nation and highlighted the depths of their depravity.
What made this tragedy even more harrowing was the response—or rather, the lack thereof—from those present at the temple. Shri Atwal’s body was left to rot for hours, as fear and intimidation kept witnesses and devotees from intervening. The sacred space had become a site of terror, where the sanctity of life was disregarded, and violence reigned supreme.
The assassination of Shri AS Atwal marked a turning point in Punjab’s struggle against extremism. It exposed the ruthlessness of the Khalistani militants and underscored the urgent need for decisive action to restore law and order in the state. The incident also highlighted the complex challenges faced by the Punjab Police, who were tasked with combating an insurgency that was not only armed but also deeply entrenched in certain sections of society.
In the years that followed, Punjab would continue to be engulfed in violence, but the martyrdom of Shri Atwal became a rallying point for those who believed in the rule of law and the sanctity of human life. His sacrifice was a reminder that the forces of extremism could not be allowed to prevail, and that peace in Punjab would only be achieved through courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Today, as we look back at the life and sacrifice of Shri AS Atwal, we remember him not just as a police officer, but as a martyr who gave his life in the line of duty. His death is a stark reminder of the cost of extremism and the importance of preserving the values of peace, tolerance, and justice.
