In June 1984, the Indian government ordered a military attack on the most sacred religious site of the Sikhs, Shri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), using tanks and heavy artillery. Thousands of innocent Sikhs were indiscriminately fired upon. The holy Sarovar, which usually holds water, was instead filled with blood. Even the sacred Sikh scripture, which the Sikh community reveres as their living Guru, was riddled with bullets.
What the government’s true intentions were behind this operation, why such a severe step was taken, and which Sikh leaders benefited politically from the entire situation—these questions remain an unsolved mystery even 41 years later. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that no one has ever truly tried to uncover the truth.
It is well-known who created and supported Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, and for what political motives. The official justification given by the government at the time was that the operation aimed to capture Bhindranwale and his associates. But if that had truly been the only goal, it would not have been a difficult task for the government. With the help of just a few army units, he could have been removed without bloodshed. There was no need to sacrifice the lives of hundreds of innocent Sikhs and brave Indian soldiers.
Sources also claim that the government had been preparing for this operation well in advance and had even sought assistance from foreign countries. To carry out this mission, Indira Gandhi reportedly took help from the British government—the same colonial rulers who had subjugated India for years. British officials were even seen surveying the Darbar Sahib premises shortly before the operation.
Every year in June, the Sikh community holds commemorative events to honor the martyrs, but no one has seriously focused on the deeper question: Why did this happen? It was the responsibility of Sikh leadership to seek the truth, but they remained entangled in internal rivalries, more concerned with pulling each other down than uniting the community.
Even today, the Sikh community is witnessing increasing internal conflict, which could potentially escalate into something explosive in the future. Therefore, all religious leaders, Sikh intellectuals, and especially well-reputed individuals who have distanced themselves from this turmoil must come forward. They need to take the initiative to reduce the growing divisions within the Sikh community and build a common platform where all Sikhs can unite.
