Editing Khalistan movement (section)

=== Operation Blue Star ===

[[Operation Blue Star]] was an Indian military operation ordered by [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Indira Gandhi]], between 1 and 8 June 1984, to remove militant religious leader [[Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale]] and his armed followers from the buildings of the [[Golden Temple|Harmandir Sahib]] complex (aka the Golden Temple) in [[Amritsar]], [[Punjab, India|Punjab]]{{snd}}the most sacred site in Sikhism.<ref name="TH_Mi6">{{cite news |title=RAW chief consulted MI6 in build-up to Operation Bluestar |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/raw-chief-consulted-mi6-in-buildup-to-operation-bluestar/article5579516.ece |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=16 January 2014 |location=Chennai, India |first=Praveen |last=Swami |access-date=9 August 2018 |archive-date=18 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140118044721/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/raw-chief-consulted-mi6-in-buildup-to-operation-bluestar/article5579516.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>

In July 1983, [[Shiromani Akali Dal|Akali Dal]] President [[Harchand Singh Longowal]] had invited Bhindranwale to take up residence at the sacred temple complex,<ref>Singh, Khushwant. 2004. ''A History of the Sikhs, Volume II: 1839–2004''. New Delhi: [[Oxford University Press]]. p. 337.</ref> which the government would allege that Bhindranwale would later make into an [[arsenal|armoury]] and headquarters for his armed uprising.<ref>{{Cite journal |last = Subramanian |first = L. N. |date = 2006-10-12 |title=Operation Bluestar, 05 June 1984 |journal = Bharat Rakshak Monitor |volume = 3 |issue = 2 |url = http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/ARMY/history/siachen/283-Operation-Bluestar.html |access-date = 2020-05-17 |archive-date = 2020-06-30 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200630015541/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/ARMY/history/siachen/283-Operation-Bluestar.html |url-status = live}}</ref><ref name="LA_accord">{{cite news|date=21 August 1985|title=Sikh Leader in Punjab Accord Assassinated|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|agency=Times Wire Services|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-08-21-mn-1021-story.html|access-date=9 August 2018|archive-date=29 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129025949/http://articles.latimes.com/1985-08-21/news/mn-1021_1_sikh-militants|url-status=live}}</ref>

Since the inception of the Dharam Yudh Morcha to the violent events leading up to Operation Blue Star, Khalistani militants had directly killed 165 [[Hindus]] and [[Nirankari]]s, as well as 39 Sikhs opposed to Bhindranwale, while a total of 410 were killed and 1,180 injured as a result of Khalistani violence and riots.<ref name="ms_casualty_terror">{{Cite book |last1 = Tully |first1 = Mark |author-link1 = Mark Tully |last2 = Jacob |first2 = Satish |date = 1985 |title = Amritsar: Mrs Gandhi's Last Battle |publisher = J. Cape |edition = 5 |page = 147 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=bxhuAAAAMAAJ&q=editions:drN_lbMXXJMC|language=en|access-date=14 January 2023|archive-date=30 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330072209/https://books.google.com/books?id=bxhuAAAAMAAJ&q=editions:drN_lbMXXJMC|url-status=live |isbn = 978-0-22-402328-3}}</ref>

As negotiations held with Bhindranwale and his supporters proved unsuccessful, Indira Gandhi ordered the [[Indian Army]] to launch Operation Blue Star.<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia
 |title =India
 |encyclopedia = Encyclopædia Britannica
 |editor-last = Wolpert
 |editor-first = Stanley A.
 |year = 2009 }}
</ref> Along with the Army, the operation would involve [[Central Reserve Police Force]], [[Border Security Force]], and [[Punjab Police (India)|Punjab Police]]. Army units led by [[Lieutenant general|Lt. Gen.]] [[Kuldip Singh Brar]] (a Sikh), surrounded the temple complex on 3 June 1984. Just before the commencement of the operation, Lt. Gen. Brar addressed the soldiers:<ref name=":4">{{Cite book |last1 = Gates |first1 = Scott |author-link = Scott Gates (academic) |last2 = Roy |first2 = Kaushik |date = 2014-02-04 |title = Unconventional Warfare in South Asia: Shadow Warriors and Counterinsurgency |chapter = Insurgency and Counter-Insurgency in Punjab |publisher = [[Ashgate Publishing]] |page = 167 |chapter-url = https://books.google.com/books?id=VWN6BAAAQBAJ&pg=PA163 |access-date = 14 January 2023 |archive-date = 30 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330072138/https://books.google.com/books?id=VWN6BAAAQBAJ&pg=PA163|url-status=live |isbn = 978-1-40-943706-2}}</ref>

{{Blockquote|text=The action is not against the Sikhs or the Sikh religion; it is against terrorism. If there is anyone amongst them, who have strong religious sentiments or other reservations, and do not wish to take part in the operation he can opt out, and it will not be held against him.|sign=Lieutenant General [[Kuldip Singh Brar]]|source=|title=}}

However, none of the soldiers opted out, including many "Sikh officers, junior commissioned officers and other ranks."<ref name=":4" /> Using a [[public address system]], the Army repeatedly demanded the militants to surrender, asking them to at least allow pilgrims to leave the temple premises before commencing battle.

Nothing happened until 7:00&nbsp;pm ([[Indian Standard Time|IST]]).<ref name="rediff_interview_limit">{{cite web|title=There is a limit to how much a country can take|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2004/jun/04inter1.htm|last=Diwanji|first=Amberish K.|date=4 June 2004|work=The Rediff Interview/Lieutenant General Kuldip Singh Brar (retired)|publisher=[[Rediff.com]]|access-date=26 December 2011|archive-date=3 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203125051/https://www.rediff.com/news/2004/jun/04inter1.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The Army, equipped with [[tank]]s and heavy [[artillery]], had grossly underestimated the firepower possessed by the militants, who attacked with [[Anti-tank warfare|anti-tank]] and [[Machine gun|machine-gun]] fire from the heavily fortified [[Akal Takht]], and who possessed Chinese-made, [[Rocket-propelled grenade|rocket-propelled grenade launchers]] with [[Armor-piercing shell|armour-piercing]] capabilities. After a 24-hour [[shootout]], the army finally wrested control of the temple complex.

Bhindranwale was killed in the operation, while many of his followers managed to escape. Army casualty figures counted 83 dead and 249 injured,<ref>{{Cite news |last = Walia |first = Varinder |date = 2007-03-20 |title = Army reveals startling facts on Bluestar, says Longowal surrendered |work = [[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]] |publication-place = Amristar |url = https://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070320/punjab1.htm |access-date=2023-01-14 |archive-date = 2020-08-04 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200804165011/https://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070320/punjab1.htm |url-status = live}}</ref> although Rajiv Gandhi would later admit that over 700 Indian soldiers died.<ref name="Chima2008">{{cite book|author=Jugdep S Chima|title=The Sikh Separatist Insurgency in India: Political Leadership and Ethnonationalist Movements|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sxpBDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT114|date=2008|publisher=Sage Publishing India|isbn=978-9351509530|pages=114–|access-date=13 March 2023|archive-date=30 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330072225/https://books.google.com/books?id=sxpBDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT114|url-status=live}}</ref> According to the official estimate presented by the Indian Government, the event resulted in a combined total of 493 militant and civilian casualties, as well as the apprehension of 1592 individuals.<ref name="WhitePaper1984">{{Cite book |date = 1984 |title = White Paper on the Punjab Agitation |publisher = Government of India Press |publication-place = New Delhi |page = 40 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=wqSAngEACAAJ&q=493 |access-date = 2023-01-14 |archive-date = 2023-03-30 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230330072248/https://books.google.com/books?id=wqSAngEACAAJ&q=493 |url-status = live |ol = 1839009M}}</ref> Independent estimates say over 5,000 civilians and only 200 militants.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Karim |first1=Afsir |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QoqwQb38SQEC |title=Counter Terrorism, the Pakistan Factor |date=1991 |publisher=Lancer Publishers |isbn=978-8170621270 |pages=33–36 |access-date=13 March 2023 |archive-date=30 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330072148/https://books.google.com/books?id=QoqwQb38SQEC |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs|U.K. Foreign Secretary]] [[William Hague]] attributed high civilian casualties to the Indian Government's attempt at a full frontal assault on the militants, diverging from the recommendations provided by the [[British Army|U.K. Military]].<ref group="lower-roman">Hague, William. 2014. "[https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/alleged-uk-link-to-operation-at-sri-harmandir-sahib-amritsar-1984 Allegations of UK Involvement in the Indian Operation at Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar 1984] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116061623/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/alleged-uk-link-to-operation-at-sri-harmandir-sahib-amritsar-1984 |date=16 January 2020 }}." ([[White paper|Policy paper]]). Available as a [https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/277292/Cabinet_Secretary_report_to_PM_on_allegations_of_UK_involveme....pdf PDF] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304094158/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/277292/Cabinet_Secretary_report_to_PM_on_allegations_of_UK_involveme....pdf |date=4 March 2016 }}. Retrieved 17 May 2020.

"The FCO files (Annex E) record the Indian Intelligence Co-ordinator telling a UK interlocutor, in the same time-frame as this public Indian report, that some time after the UK military adviser's visit the Indian Army took over lead responsibility for the operation, the main concept behind the operation changed, and a frontal assault was attempted, which contributed to the large number of casualties on both sides."</ref><ref group="lower-roman">"[https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-26027631 Golden Temple attack: UK advised India but impact 'limited'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303173430/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-26027631 |date=3 March 2020 }}." [[BBC News]]. 7 June 2014. Retrieved 17 May 2020.

"The adviser suggested using an element of surprise, as well as helicopters, to try to keep casualty numbers low – features which were not part of the final operation, Mr Hague said."</ref> Opponents of Gandhi also criticised the operation for its excessive use of force. Lieutenant General Brar later stated that the Government had "no other recourse" due to a "complete breakdown" of the situation: state machinery was under the militants' control, declaration of Khalistan was imminent, and [[Pakistan]] would have come into the picture declaring its support for Khalistan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2004/jun/03inter.htm |title=Pakistan would have recognised Khalistan |work=Rediff.com |date=3 June 2004 |access-date=20 June 2006 |archive-date=29 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090129052453/http://www.rediff.com/news/2004/jun/03inter.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

Nonetheless, the operation did not crush Khalistani militancy, as it continued.{{sfnp|Fair, Diaspora Involvement in Insurgencies|2005|p=128}}

According to the [[Mitrokhin Archive]], in 1982 the Soviets used a recruit in the New Delhi residency named "Agent S" who was close to Indira Gandhi as a major channel for providing her disinformation regarding Khalistan. Agent S provided Indira Gandhi with false documents purporting to show Pakistani involvement to create religious disturbances and allegedly initiate a Khalistan conspiracy. After [[Rajiv Gandhi]]'s visit to Moscow in 1983, the Soviets persuaded him that the US was engaged in secret support for the Sikhs. By 1984, according to Mitrokhin, the disinformation the Soviets provided had influenced Indira Gandhi to pursue Operation Blue Star.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Andrew |first1=Christopher M. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QoclAQAAMAAJ |title=The Mitrokhin Archive II: The KGB and the World |last2=Mitrokhin |first2=Vasili |date=2005 |publisher=Allen Lane |isbn=978-0-7139-9359-2 |pages=336 |language=en |access-date=30 September 2022 |archive-date=30 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330072147/https://books.google.com/books?id=QoclAQAAMAAJ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Andrew |first=Christopher |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nn2oJQAACAAJ |title=The World Was Going Our Way: The KGB and the Battle for the Third World |date=2008 |publisher=DIANE Publishing Company |isbn=978-1-4223-9312-3 |language=en |access-date=30 September 2022 |archive-date=30 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330072134/https://books.google.com/books?id=nn2oJQAACAAJ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Swamy19922">{{cite book |author=Subramanian Swamy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wQBIAAAAMAAJ |title=Building a New India: An Agenda for National Renaissance |publisher=UBS Publishers' Distributors |year=1992 |isbn=978-81-85674-21-6 |page=18 |quote=The 1984 Operation Bluestar became necessary because of the vast disinformation against Sant Bhindranwale by the KGB, and repeated inside Parliament by the Congress Party of India. |access-date=6 September 2022 |archive-date=30 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330072222/https://books.google.com/books?id=wQBIAAAAMAAJ |url-status=live }}</ref>