How many Army personnel were killed in Operation Bluestar?
This operation raised a rage among the Sikh community across the world. Many termed it as an inhuman act. However, this operation lasted till June 8, killing 492 civilians and 136 army men, whereas 220 were wounded.
Why was Operation Bluestar undertaken?
ON THIS DAY IN 1984: On this day in 1984, the Indian Army stormed the Golden Temple complex as part of its Operation Blue Star. The operation was undertaken to flush out Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and other armed militants who had been hiding inside the temple premises.
Who lead Operation Bluestar?
The operation was aimed at neutralising Sikh preacher Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale and his band of armed supporters ensconced in the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar. Bhindranwale was a dominant leader who almost ran a parallel state from within the temple complex at the height of Sikh militancy.
When Blue Star operation Golden Temple?
June 1, 1984Operation Blue Star / Start date
When was the Golden Temple rebuilt?
The Golden Temple, known as the Harmandir in India, was built in 1604 by Guru Arjun. It was destroyed several times by Afghan invaders and rebuilt in the early 19th century in marble and copper overlaid with gold foil. The temple occupies a small island in the center of a pool.
What happened on 6th June 1984?
In a bloody climax to two years of fighting between the Indian government and Sikh separatists, Indian army troops fight their way into the besieged Golden Temple compound in Amritsar–the holiest shrine of Sikhism–and kill at least 500 Sikh rebels.
What is Operation Blue Star related to?
Operation Bluestar was aimed at neutralising militant Sikh preacher Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale and his band of armed supporters ensconced in the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar. It’s been 37 years since the Indian Army conducted an operation to flush out militants from the Golden Temple in Amritsar, in June, 1984.
What is the Blue Star operation and why is it controversial?
The operation has been criticised on several grounds including: the government’s choice of timing for the attack, the heavy casualties, the loss of property, and allegations of human rights violations . Operation Blue Star was planned on a Sikh religious day—the martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev, the founder of the Harmandir Sahib.
Who was involved in Operation Blue Star?
General Vaidya, assisted by Lt. Gen. Sundarji as Vice-Chief, planned and coordinated Operation Blue Star. From the Indian Army Lt. Gen. Kuldip Singh Brar had command of the action, operating under General Krishnaswamy Sundarji. On 31 May he had been summoned from Meerut and asked to lead the operation to remove the militants from the temple.
Did militant militants in Golden Temple fire during Operation Blue Star?
Devinder Singh Duggal, who was in-charge of the Sikh Reference Library located inside of the Golden Temple complex and an eye-witness to Operation Blue Star stated that the militants were given instructions to not fire until the army or security forces entered the temple.