Operation Bluestar
From SikhiPedia
On June 1st 1984, Indira Gandhi ordered a full-scale attack on the holiest of all Sikh shrines, Sri Harmandir Sahib. This army attack was code named 'Operation Bluestar'. Indira Gandhi used the excuse that she wanted to flush out "extremist militants" led by Baba Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale who were "hiding" in Sri Akal Takhat Sahib. However, the truth was that Mrs Gandhi ordered a full-scale army attack on Sri Harmandar Sahib during the Shaheedi Gurpurb (Martyrdom day) of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the Fifth Nanak. This is one of the busiest times in Amritsar when Sri Harmandar Sahib has large gatherings of Sikhs travelling different parts of Panjab, India and the world to pay their respects.
The Indian army mercilessly massacred nearly 3,000 innocent Sikh pilgrims, including women and children. Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the Sikh's Supreme Seat of Authority, was attacked with bullets and fire from Army tanks, to be reduced to rubble. However, during the attack on Sri Harmandir Sahib Ji, Baba Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa and 300 freedom fighters laid down their lives and became Shaheeds (martyrs) in defending Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji. The brave fearless lion fell fighting till his last breath. On June 7th 1984 Shaheed Baba Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale's body was found near the Nishaan Sahibs near Sri Akaal Takht Sahib Ji. Nearby lay the bodies of the warriors and protectors of faith, Shaheed Bhai Amrik Singh Ji, Shaheed General Bhai Subheg Singh Ji and Shaheed P.A. Rachpal Singh Ji who all died fighting till their last breath to upkeep the sanctity and dignity of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib Ji and for Sikhs to have justice and freedom.