42nd Anniversary of Operation Bluestar

#GS-3 #Internal Security #Current Events #National #Gujarat

Why in News

People recently raised pro-Khalistan slogans inside the Golden Temple complex located in Amritsar.
This incident occurred during the solemn 42nd anniversary of Operation Bluestar.

The Indian Army carried out this major military action in June 1984 at the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar.
The primary goal was to remove armed militants led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale during the rise of the Khalistan separatist movement.

The demand for Khalistan first started taking shape after Partition when Punjab was divided between India and Pakistan.
Many important cultural and religious Sikh sites like Lahore and Nankana Sahib went to Pakistan, creating deep political and historical grievances.
Ongoing disputes over sharing river water, demands for greater regional autonomy, and alleged support from Pakistan made separatist feelings much stronger.
The reorganisation of Punjab carried out in 1966 failed to solve these underlying tensions completely.

Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale became a very influential religious and political leader among young Sikhs.
He used aggressive speeches to gather a strong following and eventually moved inside the Akal Takht within the Golden Temple complex to avoid getting arrested by the police.

The government first imposed strict curfews, cut off communication networks, and censored media coverage across Punjab.
Following these preparations, the Army entered the Golden Temple complex on the night of 5th June 1984.

Soldiers initially attempted to neutralise hidden militant defensive positions without causing widespread damage.
Heavy armed resistance from inside the complex forced the military to deploy Vijayanta tanks against the Akal Takht where Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his main forces were stationed.

Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale was found dead inside the heavily damaged Akal Takht.
By 10th June all remaining militants had either surrendered to authorities or been killed in the exchange of fire.
This military action deeply hurt religious sentiments across the Sikh community and triggered massive political and social changes.
Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards later in 1984, which directly led to tragic anti-Sikh riots across multiple regions of India.