Ludhiana, Dec 14: Some Sikhs, who support the Congress Party, have protested the installation of a portrait of rebel Sikh leader, Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, in a museum inside the Golden Temple.

"They (the State Government) have tried to skirt the issue of Bhindranwale by mentioning General Dyer. They argue that since a portrait of General Dyer, who was responsible for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, can be hung in the museum then Bhindranwale is not a big deal. They have tried to close the topic by doing this, " said Lal Singh, a Congress politician.

Bhindranwale’s portrait was unveiled on November 29.

The Congress party has sought the intervention of Prime Minster Manmohan Singh and Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil in the matter.

Bhindranwale spearheaded militancy in Punjab, and was killed during Operation Bluestar on June 6, 1984.

In 2003, the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) had declared Bhindranwale a "martyr". (ANI)