by The question “What Was Operation Blue Star?” has resurfaced in India’s public discourse, ignited by a recent gaffe from Congress leader Alka Lamba, who mistakenly referred to “Operation Sindoor” instead of “Operation Blue Star” during a May 25, 2025, press conference at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) office in New Delhi. The slip-up has led to widespread trolling of Lamba and the Indian National Congress on social media, but it has also sparked curiosity about this controversial chapter in Indian history.
Operation Blue Star, conducted from June 1–10, 1984, at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, remains one of the most contentious military operations in the Indira Gandhi era, marked by its tragic consequences and lasting impact on Sikh-Indian relations. This article delves into the operation’s background, execution, aftermath, and enduring legacy.
Background of Operation Blue Star
The roots of Operation Blue Star lie in the Khalistan movement, a Sikh nationalist push for an independent state in Punjab, fuelled by grievances over the region’s division during the 1947 Partition and perceived marginalization by the Indian government. In 1973, the Shiromani Akali Dal presented the Anandpur Sahib Resolution, demanding greater autonomy for Punjab, but it was rejected by the central government. By the early 1980s, tensions escalated as Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a charismatic but radical preacher and head of the Damdami Taksal, rose to prominence. Initially supported by the Congress party to weaken the Akali Dal’s influence, Bhindranwale turned militant, advocating for Khalistan and orchestrating violent attacks against Hindus and moderate Sikhs from within the Golden Temple complex.
By 1982, Bhindranwale had fortified the Akal Takht, a key structure within the Golden Temple, with a cache of sophisticated weapons, including machine guns and anti-tank missiles, under the guidance of former Major General Shahbeg Singh. The temple became a stronghold, with support—voluntary or coerced—from some Sikh religious leaders and institutions like the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). Failed negotiations, rising violence, and fears of a Khalistan declaration—amplified by unverified intelligence about Pakistani support—prompted Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to authorize a military response. A covert plan, Operation Sundown, to abduct Bhindranwale was rehearsed but ultimately rejected by Gandhi, leading to the decision for a full-scale military operation.
Execution of Operation Blue Star
Operation Blue Star, led by Major General Kuldip Singh Brar, began on June 1, 1984, with the Indian Army surrounding the Golden Temple complex and imposing a 36-hour curfew across Punjab. A media blackout was enforced, cutting off communication and transportation. On June 3, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) fired initial shots to assess the militants’ strength, who were well-entrenched with bunkers and pillboxes. The operation intensified on June 5, as troops faced fierce resistance from Bhindranwale’s followers, equipped with advanced weaponry and trained by Shahbeg Singh.
The army deployed tanks, artillery, and helicopters, with heavy shelling targeting the Akal Takht, where Bhindranwale was stationed. By June 7, Bhindranwale and key aides, including Shahbeg Singh, were found dead among dozens of bodies in the ruined Akal Takht. The operation concluded by June 10, with official reports citing 410 deaths (87 soldiers and 323 militants/civilians) and 1,180 injuries, though Sikh sources and unofficial estimates, including journalist Kuldip Nayar citing Rajiv Gandhi, suggest nearly 700 soldiers and thousands of civilians, including pilgrims present for a festival, may have died. The use of heavy artillery and the timing during a religious festival drew significant criticism.
Aftermath and Consequences
Operation Blue Star left the Akal Takht heavily damaged, with bullet marks still preserved as evidence in a ₹1,000 crore damages suit filed by the SGPC in 1985. The operation deeply alienated the Sikh community, who viewed it as a desecration of their holiest shrine, the Harmandir Sahib.
On October 31, 1984, Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards, Beant Singh and Satwant Singh, in retaliation, triggering anti-Sikh riots across India, particularly in Delhi, where over 2,700 Sikhs were killed.
The operation fuelled a decade-long insurgency in Punjab, with a surge in Sikh militancy and terrorism, strengthening the Khalistan movement, especially in the global Sikh diaspora.
Criticism and Controversies
Operation Blue Star faced intense scrutiny for several reasons:
- Use of Heavy Artillery: The deployment of tanks and artillery in a sacred site was seen as excessive and disrespectful to Sikh sentiments.
- Timing: Conducting the operation during a major Sikh festival, when thousands of pilgrims were present, led to significant civilian casualties.
- Political Missteps: Critics, including retired Lt. Gen. Kuldip Singh Brar, argued that Indira Gandhi’s initial support for Bhindranwale allowed him to grow into a “Frankenstein monster,” escalating the crisis.
- Media Blackout: Barring journalists and imposing a curfew fueled distrust and accusations of government cover-ups.
- Intelligence Failures: Unverified claims of Pakistani support, later linked to Russian KGB disinformation, may have exaggerated the threat, influencing Gandhi’s decision.
The operation’s planning was also questioned, with then-Army Vice-Chief Lt. Gen. S.K. Sinha advising against the assault due to its religious and political ramifications, only to be replaced by General Arun Shridhar Vaidya.
Legacy of Operation Blue Star
Operation Blue Star remains a deeply divisive event in Indian history, symbolizing both the government’s resolve to combat militancy and a traumatic assault on Sikh identity. It exposed the complexities of handling minority grievances and the dangers of political patronage of extremist figures. The operation shaped India’s counter-terrorism policies, leading to subsequent operations like Operation Black Thunder in 1986 and 1988 to address resurgent militancy.
The annual commemoration of the operation, marked by pro-Khalistan slogans and Bhindranwale’s posters at the Golden Temple, underscores its enduring emotional and political impact. The recent controversy over Alka Lamba’s gaffe highlights how Operation Blue Star continues to evoke strong sentiments, keeping it alive in public discourse.
Share Your Thoughts
What are your views on Operation Blue Star and its long-term impact on India? Do you think the government could have handled the situation differently? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
FAQs
1. What Was Operation Blue Star?
Operation Blue Star was a military operation conducted by the Indian Army from June 1–10, 1984, to remove Sikh militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his armed followers from the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, ordered by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
2. Why was Operation Blue Star launched?
The operation aimed to neutralize Bhindranwale, who had fortified the Golden Temple and was advocating for a separate Khalistan state, orchestrating violent attacks. Failed negotiations and fears of an imminent Khalistan declaration prompted the military action.
3. What were the casualties during Operation Blue Star?
Official reports state 410 deaths (87 soldiers, 323 militants/civilians) and 1,180 injuries, but unofficial estimates, including Sikh sources, claim thousands of civilian deaths, including pilgrims, and up to 700 soldier fatalities.
4. Why was Operation Blue Star controversial?
The operation was criticized for using heavy artillery in a sacred Sikh site, its timing during a religious festival, the media blackout, and political missteps, including Gandhi’s initial support for Bhindranwale, which escalated the crisis.
5. What was the aftermath of Operation Blue Star?
The operation damaged the Akal Takht, alienated Sikhs, and led to Indira Gandhi’s assassination by her Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984, triggering anti-Sikh riots. It also fueled a decade-long insurgency and strengthened the Khalistan movement abroad.
