In and outs of "Operation Blue Star"

“Operation Blue Star”, only the name represented the pleasant color. The result of the Operation Blue Star was the bitter part of the Indian history. Born in the violent year of 1947, Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale was the unfortunate spark of the biggest communal riots seen in India.

 The khalisthan movement for a better and republic state for Punjab was still going on, opposing this were the Indian congress party, which was dominated by Indira Gandhi and her son Sanjay Gandhi. In 1977, Indira asked Sanjay to break the khalidad in the province of Punjab.

Sanjay looked upon someone, who could have set up rival fashion. In the list of 20 names, he was given, the new leader of the Akal Takht, Jarnal Singh Bhindranwale, in fact the strongest of them.

He was a saint, who was dedicated to his religion. When there was political turmoil, he was forced to be a revolutionary and a potential terrorist. He gradually became well known to his community, and people came to see him along with their kids seeking his blessings. He made Amritsar his strong hold and he turned out to be an intractable for the central and state government. The local police force never tried to take an action on him. He was out of their league.

 When his authority was overwhelming, Rajiv Gandhi told him to surrender in an interview. As a reply Bhindranwale challenged Rajiv and government to take any measures possible on him. The reply for Rajiv Gandhi itself indicated that he was well equipped and looking forward for a combat.

The proceedings at Punjab provinces were seemingly dangerous for the Indira’s congress government. She gave the order to Commander General Kuldip Singh Brar to start "Operation Blue Star", which was to neutralize Bhindranwale and his militants. Bhindranwale was accused for storing a huge amount of weapons at Gurudwara in order to start a major armed uprising.

On June 1^st, 1984, the Indian army started its conflict with Bhindranwale and other khalisthan militants. The army was first surprised by the firing from khalisthan militants with machine guns and militants had the upper hand because of the well known architecture of golden temple. The surprise package for Indian army continued when they came to encounter an attack from a rocket propelled grenade. Commander General Mr.Brar, had no idea these militants could have been so well equipped. After the incident, he came up with a dramatic plan and ordered his troop to enter the temple with tanks.

The most historical place for Sikhs was ransomed by both the sides. On 8^th June 1984, Indian army was succeeded in their operation. The potential terrorist Bhindranwale was a martyr for the Sikhs.

The holiest place for Sikhs was wrecked, many innocents lost their lives. For a Sikh, it was an inexcusable incident, which shattered their religious faith and holy place. Beant Singh heard about the disaster. He swore himself to take life of Indira Gandhi. Beant Singh was one of the Gandhi’s favorite guards, whom she had known for ten years.

Despite of the opposition from many leaders of the same party to keep Sikhs as body guards, Indira chose Satwant Singh and Beant Singh to continue as her bodyguards. She wanted to display there was no hatred on Sikhs and somehow wanted to convince the community.

The tables were ready to turndown; Satwant Singh ensured to switch his shift and managed to be with Beant Singh during the assassination of the Indian prime minister.

On 31^st October 1984, Indira was on her way to be interviewed by British Reporter.  In the middle of the walking path, Beant Singh shot her with 3 bullets from his 0.38 pistol and Satwant Singh joined the action with firing 30 bullets from his Sten gun into her.

The series of tragedy didn’t come to an end.  The worst part was about to hit, the revolt against Sikhs all over India started. There were more than 8000 deaths, including 3000 in Delhi. It is also said that Delhi police kept their eyes close, since it was pre-planned. All the Sikh men were killed brutishly.

There are many eye witnesses, who are still alive mourning for losing their family, kids, husbands etc., But, the accused have not got punished. Just for the sake, there has been lot of committees and commissions, which seemed like they were trying to provide justice for the Sikhs.

The CBI recently told the court that during the riot, Sajjan Kumar had said that “not a single Sikh should survive.”  The 2011 WiKiLeaks cable leaks revealed that the United States was convinced about the complicity of the Indian government ruled by the Indian National Congress in the riots, and termed it as “opportunism” and “hatred” of the Congress government against Sikhs.

Let’s pray for all those, who lost their life and for a placid INDIA.