Amritsar, June 6, 2024
The 40th anniversary of Operation Blue Star was marked by pro-Khalistan demonstrations at the revered Golden Temple in Amritsar. Members of the Sikh community raised slogans and displayed posters of slain separatist leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, reigniting memories of the tumultuous events of the past.
Among the protestors was Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) chief Simranjit Singh Mann, who joined in raising slogans and paying homage to Bhindranwale. The presence of prominent figures in the demonstration underscored the continued resonance of Bhindranwale’s legacy within certain segments of the Sikh community.
Security measures around the Golden Temple were intensified in anticipation of the anniversary, with increased deployment of forces and enhanced barricading to prevent any untoward incident. Senior Superintendent of Police SS Randhawa Singh assured that stringent monitoring would be in place to maintain peace and order.
Operation Blue Star, conducted by the Indian Army in June 1984, aimed to quell Sikh militancy led by Bhindranwale, who was headquartered in the Golden Temple complex. The military action, heavily criticized for its impact on civilian lives and the sanctity of the shrine, culminated in Bhindranwale’s death along with his armed followers.
The fallout from Operation Blue Star reverberated throughout Indian history, notably with the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984. The political ramifications of these events continue to influence discourse and dynamics in the region.
In a related development, Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, son of one of Indira Gandhi’s assassins, emerged victorious in the Faridkot constituency during the recent Lok Sabha elections, reflecting the enduring complexities of Punjab’s political landscape.
Retired Lt Gen Kuldeep Singh Brar, who led Operation Blue Star, reflected on the events leading up to the military action, criticizing the political leadership for allowing Bhindranwale’s rise and characterizing him as a “Frankenstein monster” that needed to be addressed.
As commemorations and reflections unfold on the anniversary of Operation Blue Star, the enduring legacy of the event continues to shape narratives and perceptions in Punjab and beyond.
