What happened during Operation Bluestar 39 years ago?
Today, June 6, marks the 39th anniversary of Operation Blue Star, the day when the Indian Army stormed into the Golden Temple (Harimandir Sahib) in Amritsar to contain Sikh militancy under the leadership of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.
The operation resulted in a significant loss of life and five months after the operation, on October 31, 1984, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated in an act of revenge by her two Sikh bodyguards, Satwant Singh and Beant Singh. Following the news of Gandhi's assassination, violent attacks targeting Sikhs were reported in Delhi and other cities. The anti-Sikh riots lasted for several days and led to to the death of over 2,700 people.
On Operation Bluestar's anniversary, as security has been beefed up in Amritstar, we take a look at what exactly happened 39 years back:
A background on what led to Operation Bluestar
Sikh separatist movement: In the 1970s and 1980s, Punjab witnessed a rise in Sikh separatist activities led by various militant groups, most notably the Khalistan movement. The demand was for an independent Sikh state called Khalistan.
Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale: Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a charismatic Sikh preacher and leader, gained prominence during this period. He had persuaded many people to follow Sikh rules and tenets. Bhindranwale fortified himself and his armed followers inside the Golden Temple complex, turning it into a base for his operations.
Operation Bluestar
The Golden Temple raid was a military operation conducted by the Indian government in June 1984. The operation aimed to remove Sikh separatists who had taken refuge inside the temple complex in Amritsar. The Indian government, under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, decided to take action to neutralize Bhindranwale and flush out the militants from the Golden Temple.
The military operation was planned to regain control of the complex while minimizing civilian casualties. Prior to the operation, the Indian government imposed martial law in Punjab and imposed a media blackout, cutting off communication to the outside world.
The army stormed Harmandir Sahib on the night of 5 June and the forces had full control of Harmandir Sahib by the morning of June 7.
Timeline of the operation
June 1-3, 1984: The operation began on June 1, 1984, with the deployment of Indian Army troops around the Golden Temple complex. Bhindranwale and his followers fiercely resisted the army's advance, leading to intense gun battles.
June 3-6, 1984: The Indian Army intensified its assault on the complex, using heavy artillery, tanks, and helicopters. The fighting resulted in extensive damage to the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikh authority, as well as other parts of the Golden Temple.
June 6, 1984: The operation officially concluded on June 6, 1984, when the Indian Army gained control of the Golden Temple complex.
Casualties
The Indian Army suffered significant casualties during the operation, with official figures stating that 83 soldiers were killed, and 249 were injured. The exact number of Sikh militants and civilians remains highly disputed and the Indian government did not release official figures. Estimates range from several dozen to a few hundred. Bhindranwale and large number of his militants were killed.
Aftermath of the Operation
Assassination of Indira Gandhi: Operation Bluestar deeply angered the Sikh community. As a result, on October 31, 1984, two Sikh bodyguards assassinated Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in retaliation, triggering widespread anti-Sikh riots in Delhi and other parts of India. The riots resulted in the deaths of thousands of Sikhs.
Sikh militancy: The aftermath of Operation Bluestar saw a surge in Sikh militancy and acts of terrorism throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, as various Sikh groups sought revenge and pushed for the creation of Khalistan.
Punjab Insurgency: The 1980s and early 1990s witnessed a violent insurgency in Punjab, marked by bombings, assassinations, and clashes between militants and security forces. The insurgency had a devastating impact on the state, leading to the loss of thousands of lives and severe economic disruption.
Migration of Sikhs: The aftermath of Operation Bluestar led to a significant migration of Sikhs from Punjab to other parts of India and abroad. The Sikh diaspora played a crucial role in raising awareness about the Sikh cause and advocating for justice for the victims of the anti-Sikh riots.
Political Impact: Operation Bluestar and the subsequent events had a profound impact on Indian politics. The ruling Congress party faced criticism for its handling of the situation, which eroded its support among the Sikh community. The Akali Dal, a Sikh political party, underwent changes and divisions, with some factions advocating for Sikh rights and others aligned with the militant movement.