Commencing with a background narrative, India recently commemorated the 36th anniversary of Operation Blue Star, a vital event in the country’s historical timeline. The operation reflects a critical juncture that altered the course of Indian politics and societal norms.
Understanding Operation Blue Star
Primarily, Operation Blue Star was a military action that was activated on 5th June 1984, under the administration of then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. The rationale behind this strategy was to eliminate the separatists concealed within the Golden Temple situated at Amritsar. These individuals were led by an extremist religious leader belonging to Sikhism, Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, along with his armed followers.
Operation Blue Star had two primary facets; the first was Operation Metal, a siege on the temple complex, and the second, Operation Shop, concentrated on the countryside of the state. This landmark operation played an important role in dispelling Khalistani terrorism.
The Genesis of Operation Blue Star
The origins of Operation Blue Star can be traced back to Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale’s demands from the Indian government. Bhindranwale fervently sought the implementation of the Anandpur Resolution, pushing for the establishment of an autonomous state named Khalistan exclusively for Sikhs.
By 1982, Bhindranwale had garnered substantial support for his cause, enough to establish a fortified base within the Golden Temple complex complete with ammunition and followers by mid-1983. As a fallout of escalating tensions, Operation Blue Star was initiated over a period of six days from 1st June to 6th June 1984. The mission aimed to nullify Bhindranwale’s growing influence and demands.
The operation culminated with the eradication of Bhindranwale. Nevertheless, the repercussions of the operation were harsh and immediate. Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards a few months after Operation Blue Star, which led to widespread anti-Sikh riots in Delhi.
The National Security Guard (NSG)
As a repercussion of Operation Blue Star, along with other significant incidents as the Akshardham Temple attack and the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the National Security Guard (NSG) was formed. This counter-terrorism unit came into being in 1986, established through the ‘National Security Guard Act, 1986’.
The NSG has its headquarters situated in Manesar, Gurugram. The primary motivation behind the constitution of this force was to effectively combat terrorist activities to safeguard states against internal disturbances. The foundation of the NSG stands as a testament to the societal shifts caused by Operation Blue Star, signifying its lasting impact on India’s socio-political landscape.
Key Takeaways: Operation Blue Star stands as a monumental event in India’s history, sparking changes that reverberated across socio-political lines. It eventually led to the establishment of the National Security Guard, underlining the significance of this historical event.