Why Operation Blue Star was launched by army and Government of India?a...
Operation Blue Star was launched by the Indian Army and Government of India in 1984. It was a military operation aimed at removing Sikh militants who were hiding inside the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar, Punjab. The operation was a response to the growing unrest and violence in Punjab during the 1980s, which was fueled by demands for a separate Sikh homeland called Khalistan.
Reasons for Operation Blue Star:
1. Rise of Sikh Militancy: In the early 1980s, Punjab witnessed a rise in Sikh militancy led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who had taken refuge inside the Golden Temple complex. Bhindranwale and his followers were demanding greater autonomy for Sikhs and the establishment of Khalistan. The government viewed this as a threat to the unity and integrity of the country, leading to the decision to launch the operation.
2. Militant Activities and Arms Stockpiling: The militants inside the Golden Temple complex were involved in various acts of violence, including targeted killings of politicians, security forces, and innocent civilians. They had also stockpiled a large quantity of weapons and ammunition, making the situation increasingly volatile and dangerous.
3. Intelligence Reports: The government had received intelligence reports suggesting that the militants were planning to launch major attacks on various targets across the country. The authorities believed that a decisive action was necessary to neutralize the militants and restore law and order in Punjab.
4. Preservation of Sikh Heritage: The government wanted to ensure the preservation of the religious and cultural heritage of the Sikhs, which was being exploited and damaged by the militants. Operation Blue Star aimed to flush out the militants from the Golden Temple complex while minimizing damage to the holy shrine.
Execution and Aftermath:
Operation Blue Star began on June 1, 1984, and lasted for several days. The army used tanks, artillery, and helicopters to surround and storm the Golden Temple complex. The operation resulted in significant casualties, including the death of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and many of his followers. However, the use of force and damage to the Golden Temple complex sparked widespread outrage among Sikhs, leading to protests and violent clashes in various parts of the country.
The aftermath of Operation Blue Star had far-reaching consequences. It further deepened the divide between the Sikh community and the Indian government. The assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards in October 1984 triggered widespread anti-Sikh riots, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives and extensive damage to property. These events had a lasting impact on the political, social, and cultural fabric of India, particularly in Punjab.
In conclusion, Operation Blue Star was launched by the Indian Army and Government of India in 1984 to address the growing Sikh militancy in Punjab. While it aimed to restore law and order and preserve Sikh heritage, the operation resulted in significant casualties and triggered a wave of violence and unrest in the country.