On the 30th anniversary of Operation Bluestar, clashes broke out in Golden Temple premises in Amritsar between two groups.

Television footages and pictures posted online showed two groups engaging in violent clashes. According to initial reports, the sword fight broke out between Golden Temple task force workers and supports of SAD MP Simranjeet Singh Mann.

Many people have been injured in the clashes, which broke out on a day people had gathered to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Operation Bluestar. Anger reportedly grew over a dispute and altercation on who would speak first.

Sources have said Simranjit Singh Mann of Akali Dal (Amritsar) wanted to address the gathering but his demands were not approved by members of the Shiromani Akali Dal-Controlled Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee.

One of Mann's supporters reportedly tried to snatch the microphone from Jathedar of Akal Thakt, Giani Gurbachan Singh, in protest, which aggravated members of the Golden Temple Task Force who swung into action, wielding swords and shouting slogans.

Soon, the row accelerated with both groups barging into each other, creating a war-like scenario in the temple. Both sides reacted violently with swords and kirpans for at least half an hour. At least 12 people have so far sustained injures, according to reports.

Although the Task Force members had initially forced members of Mann's supporters out, they soon regrouped and attacked again.

SAD spokesperson Prem Singh Chandumajra told CNN IBN that strict action will be taken against those indulging in violence. "We have come to pay homage to those killed in the 1984 action. This is doen every year," he said.

SAD, a splinter group led by Simranjit Singh Mann, has advocated the idea of Khalistan, an independent states for the Sikhs.