A group of Sikh leaders on Tuesday conferred the status of "great martyr" on Beant Singh, one of the assassins of former prime minister Indira Gandhi, at a function organised by the Dal Khalsa in Jalandhar.

The jathedar of the Takht Damdama Sahib, Balwant Singh Nandgarh, accorded the status to Beant Singh.

Nandgarh also honoured members of Beant Singh's family by presenting them siropas (robes of honour) and shawls.

A large number of political activists representing different factions and groups participated in the event held to pay tribute to Beant Singh, who was shot dead by security guards of the slain PM minutes after he assassinated her on this day 22 years ago.

A resolution that said Beant Singh had attained the status of a "martyr" was adopted by the gathering.