Islamabad, A recent report by Kashmir Media Service has revisited ‘Operation Blue Star,’ the 1984 Indian Army assault on the Golden Temple in Amritsar, labeling it as an act of state-sponsored terrorism against the Sikh community. This operation, which occurred from June 2 to June 10, 1984, involved the use of tanks and artillery and resulted in the deaths of thousands of Sikhs, including pilgrims, and significant damage to the Sikh’s holiest shrine.

According to Kashmir Media Service, ‘Operation Blue Star’ not only aimed to suppress the Sikh population but also marked the beginning of a series of human rights violations and a systematic purge within India. This event is widely regarded by Sikh leaders and activists as the ‘Ghallughara’ (holocaust) of the Sikhs, a pivotal moment that intensified calls for Sikh autonomy and the establishment of a separate Sikh homeland, Khalistan.

The assault left deep scars on the Sikh community, leading to widespread resignations from public service positions and the return of awards previously granted by the Indian government. The report emphasized that, nearly four decades later, the victims and their families are still awaiting justice, and the incident continues to fuel the Sikh diaspora’s support for Khalistan.

Furthermore, the report touches on recent incidents, including the alleged killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar by Indian agents in Canada in June 2023, suggesting a continued pattern of targeting Sikh activists abroad. The narrative around ‘Operation Blue Star’ and its aftermath is a testament to the Sikh community’s ongoing struggle against what they perceive as Hindutva hegemony, with a strong resolve to oppose Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policies.