The Akal Takht, Sikh community's highest religious body, on Friday declared militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale a 'martyr'.

The decision coincided with the anniversary of Operation Blue Star. Bhindranwale was killed 19 years back on June 6, 1984.

Akal Takht Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti gave a 'robe of honour' to Bhindranwale's son Ishar Singh.

Vedanti also 'honoured' Manjit Singh, brother and leader of All India Sikh Students Federation, and Amrik Singh, a close associate of Bhindranwale, who also died during the operation.

But Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee chief and Badal loyalist Kirpal Singh Badungar was absent.

Vedanti 'honoured' more than 40 Sikh families, whose kin were killed during the operation. He also paid rich tributes to all the 'martyrs' of the operation.