Operation Blue Star

Sikhs and the Emergency;

The imposition of a state of emergency in 1975 was a crude attempt by prime minister Indira Gandhi to overcome a personal crisis created by an adverse court verdict, which found her guilty of corrupt practices, in Rai Bareli election and court barred her from all elective offices for 6 years. She decided to continue as a prime minister, notwithstanding the high court judgment. This was in violation of all standards of constitutional propriety, Democratic convention and political ethics. Instead of resigning in sheer self-interest she declared an emergency in the country. (India commits suicide, G.S.Dhillon)
All civil liberties were suspended, and fundamental rights abrogated. During the 19 months of emergency, nearly 140,000 people including the entire opposition, and some Congress leaders were thrown into prison. After them 60,000 were Sikhs. (Amnesty International) Over 20,000 public servants were compulsory retired for their noncooperation with the Emergency regime. At least 100,000 people were forcibly sterilized. MISA (Maintenance of Internal Security Act) and DIR (Defense of India Regulations) crush the civil liberties and human rights of the people. RSS compromised however Akalis remain steadfast in their opposition to the emergency till the very end. The Akali Dal emerges a most courageous and principled opposition party in the country. While addressing a big public gathering in Chandigarh Mrs. Vijalakshmi Pandit paid a handsome tribute to the Akalis for their brave resistance to the emergency. She said, Punjab which had always been in the forefront of resistance to oppression, kept its colors flying during the emergency also. Akali Morcha against the emergency continued till it was withdrawn. The Akali protest which operated from the gurdwara was the most sustained opposition to the emergency offered anywhere in India.

Sikh demands:
#1. Discrimination against the Sikhs in recruitment of defence forces.
#2. The Kirpan issue.
#3. Anandpur Sahib resolution. A greater autonomy for the states.
#4. Transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab. Etc
#5. Water dispute.

Hindu opposition to Sikh demands were raised with the help of government. People like late Lala Jagat Narain’s persistent role in the anti-Sikh activities and his stage communal