Operation Blue Star was a military operation which was ordered by Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister, to remove Sikh militants who were amassing weapons in the Harmandir Sahib Complex (Golden Temple) in Amritsar, in order to establish control over it. The operation was launched in response to a deterioration of law and order in Punjab.
Where did it all start?The roots of Operation Blue Star can be traced from the Khalistan Movement. The Khalistan Movement was a political Sikh nationalist movement that wanted to create an independent state for Sikh people, inside the current North-Western Republic of India.
June 1, 1984: ‘Guru Ram Das Langar’ building inside the Golden Temple was attacked by the Indian Army. It that attack, around 8-10 people died.
June 2, 1984: Approximate seven divisions of army were deployed Punjab. Media faced a blackout and transportation also suffered a major setback during that time. Outsiders were denied entry. In many parts of Amritsar, water and electricity supply was cut off.
June 3, 1984: Punjab faced a complete curfew as the army and para-military were patrolling around. Harmindar Sahib’s entries and exists were completely seald.
June 4, 1984: Ramgarhia Bungas, inside the Harmandir Sahib Complex was bombed. Ordnance QF 25 pounder was used to attack the Sikh militants. Gurcharan Singh Tohra, former head of SGPC, was appointed to negiotate with Bindrawale. However, the negotiations had failed.
June 5, 1984: Hotel Temple View and Brahm Boota Akhara, on the southwest fringes of the complex was attacked by BSF and CRPF.
June 6, 1984: Army used tanks to destroy the Akal Takhat.
June 7, 1984: Indian army had gained control over Harmandir Sahib complex.
