Were removed, no political dialogue was possible in Punjab. The operation was aimed at removing the irritants.”
The statements of Chidambram and Bhatia put together reflected Delhi’s hope and aspiration that the operation would pave the way for a dialogue in Punjab to “resolve” the issues.
It will be of interest to recall that Indira Gandhi, too, had made a similar statement soon after Operation “Blue Star “in June 1984. She had bitterly complained by way of justification of the operation that “Sikh leaders were not talking to us.”
While this thought process, sometimes aired publicly, at other times not made known clearly, was on in Delhi, quiet preparations were being made by intelligence units of security forces at Manesar to eliminate in one go as many militants as possible
“On March 9 when Jasbir Singh Rode was anointed Akal Takht head priest, officers (of intelligence agencies) were at the pickets, watching every movement, counting heads, guns and identifying faces. Some officers stopped trimming their beards for the occasional, but vital walk inside the temple.”
“We will pick up bodies”
Sensing that a fight between militant groups within the complex was in the offing, the Punjab Police supremo JF Rebeiro stated on May 4, 1988 that “we would pick up the bodies and the problem will solve itself out.” He, however, regretted that the terrorists were not obeying the Jathedar (The Tribune: May 5, 1988).
While the Prime Minister declared later that the operation Black Thunder II was not a random exercise but was a part of a well thought-out plan, the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (I) President, Beant Singh, said the “border fencing” and the operation “Black Thunder IT“ were a part of the plan to solve the Punjab tangle.” (Indian Express: June 15, 1988).
“Test Firing” by Security Forces
The D-Day was fast approaching. The C.R.P.F.DIG.,
