The operation Blue Star’ was enacted by India on June 4 7 1984 Entire Punjab was placed under curfew and Indian security forces killed maimed and arrested thousands of Sikhs. The focus of the attack was the Darbar Sahib complex in Amritsar. The sacred Akal Takhat was razed to ground with tanks and guns being employed in most shameless manner Hundreds of historic copies of holy Guru Granth Sahib were burnt. Thousands of Sikhs led by Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and non-combatants alike were killed. Hundreds of Sikh lost their lives when Indian air forces attacked them as lakhs of Sikhs were moving towards Amritsar 11s wrong to assume that the operation Blue Star was a onetime said incident which ended in 1984. It sill continues although its shape has undergone changes. The main objective Of the operation was to destroy the Sikh resistance movement for freedom. The operation has not succeeded although the Indian state is doing its worst to decimate the community and its youths. Thanks to the indestructible will imparted to the community by the 10th Master it remains invincible and defiant. The Sikh movement is lying low and appears to be waiting for an opportunity to strike back. W.S.N. salutes those lakhs of Sikh martyrs who put up brave resistance against the Indian state and died fighting We remember with utmost humility those who died in police and army custody after unbearable torture It is now acknowledged internationally that every Sikh in Indian custody is subjected to humiliation and third-degree methods of interrogation Indian police torture is now a pass-word Thousands of Sikhs remain in Indian custody without trial or even charges. Several Sikhs have been incarcerated in Pakistan and the U.S.A. too Lakhs of Sikh families have been living a life worse than that of refugees with virtually nothing to sustain them. It is a pity that major Sikh organizations including the S.G.P.C. have not done the job expected of them to give relief to these families Sikh/human rights continue to be the main target of the Indian Security forces even as we observe the completion of one decade of the operation Blue Star. This fact is acknowledged by almost all international human rights organization’s including Amnesty International and Asia Watch the Sikh community is grateful to these organizations.
It is however a matter of regret that democratic countries like the U.S.A. should overlook the rights violations by India.
The fact is that Washington is encouraging India to finish off militancy and is ever Cager to give to that country all help including secret information. That is precisely why India has stepped up killings in Punjab and Kashmir once again. Operation Blue Star still continues.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 3, 1994
