Gandhi ordered Operation Blue Star at the Golden Temple.
Beginning June 1, 1984, Operation Blue Star was a military initiative directed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to curb militant activities led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale in the sacred Golden Temple at Amritsar. This action was enforced to eliminate paramilitary forces and reclaim religious premises from armed insurgent factions demanding Punjab's autonomy. The operation underscored significant domestic tension and had deep political and social ramifications, affecting India’s sociopolitical fabric. Although militarily successful, it is often critiqued for its impact on civil liberties and the subsequent rise in religious-political extremism.