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.

Who expressed regret and apologized for the anti-Sikh violence in 2005?

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed regret and apologized for the anti-Sikh violence in 2005.

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.

The most grievous aspect for the Sikh community was the delayed restoration of normalcy by the government and the perceived lack of effective punishment for the perpetrators of the violence. Twenty years later, in 2005, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed remorse over these killings and formally apologized to the nation for the anti-Sikh violence during a parliamentary address.