Operation Blue Star was the June 1984 Army assault on the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar to remove armed militants led by Bhindranwale. The main attack bega…
Large gatherings at the Akal Takht; some groups raised slogans and carried Bhindranwale posters. Reported peaceful.
The former home minister said Blue Star was the wrong way to retrieve the Golden Temple, a cumulative decision.
An Amritsar court found no evidence the Army announced warnings. The Army says it did.
One adviser visited 8-17 Feb 1984. The report found limited impact and no UK role in the assault.
Militancy petered out by 1993; Chief Minister Beant Singh was killed in 1995.
Two bodyguards killed the Prime Minister. Delhi's November killings, officially 2,733, are a separate toll.
Tanks were used after early attacks failed. Bhindranwale was found dead; the Akal Takht was in ruins.
A curfew and press ban began as thousands of pilgrims marked Guru Arjan's martyrdom day.
Indira Gandhi approved the operation on the Army chief's advice after talks failed.
The Akali Dal launched an agitation on autonomy; Bhindranwale and armed followers sheltered in the complex.
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