Subsequently, the leadership of the movement underwent a shift from the moderate Akali faction to more radical elements, ultimately culminating in an armed insurgency. These militants established their base within the revered Sikh sanctuary, the Golden Temple situated in Amritsar, which they fortified into an armed stronghold. The turning point came in June 1984 when the Government of India executed 'Operation Blue Star', a military operation carried out within the precincts of the Golden Temple.

A series of tragic events further exacerbated the complexity of the Punjab issue. On October 31, 1984, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was tragically assassinated outside her residence by her own bodyguards, both of whom were Sikhs seeking vengeance for 'Operation Blue Star'. This shocking incident prompted violent outbursts against the Sikh community in Delhi and various parts of northern India. The violence persisted for nearly a week, causing the death of over two thousand Sikhs in the national capital, with Delhi being the worst-hit region. Additional casualties occurred in places like Kanpur, Bokaro, and Chas. This tumultuous period inflicted immense emotional and financial hardship on numerous Sikh families, resulting in the loss of many male members.

How did Sikhs perceive 'Operation Blue Star'?

As an attack on their faith

A significant number of Sikhs saw 'Operation Blue Star' as an attack on their faith and religious sentiments.

Subsequently, the leadership of the movement underwent a shift from the moderate Akali faction to more radical elements, ultimately culminating in an armed insurgency. These militants established their base within the revered Sikh sanctuary, the Golden Temple situated in Amritsar, which they fortified into an armed stronghold. The turning point came in June 1984 when the Government of India executed 'Operation Blue Star', a military operation carried out within the precincts of the Golden Temple. While this operation succeeded in dislodging the militants, it also inflicted significant damage upon the historically significant temple and inflicted deep wounds upon the sentiments of the Sikh community. A substantial number of Sikhs within India and abroad perceived this military action as an assault on their religious beliefs, thereby amplifying the momentum of militant and extremist factions.