Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Wednesday demanded an unconditional apology from the British government for secretly assisting the Indian government plan the army attack, code named “Operation Bluestar,” on the Golden Temple in June 1984, in which many innocent pilgrims were also killed.
Interacting with reporters after presiding over a “sangat darshan” programme in Bathinda, he said both governments were equally responsible for hurting the religious sentiments of Punjabis, particularly Sikhs. “The Sikhs would never forgive them for this sin against humanity,” an official release quoting him said.
Mr. Badal was reacting to the inquiry report tabled in the British House of Commons on Tuesday, in which the British government admitted that the United Kingdom’s role in Operation Bluestar was limited to military advice.
The report revealed that a British military adviser had surveyed the shrine between February 8 and 17, along with an Indian special group. The adviser had recommended army action as the last resort to flush out armed militants. Mr. Badal said the entire nation was shocked to learn that Prime Minister Indira Gandhi chose the perpetrators of Jallianwala Bagh to seek advice on planning an army assault on the Golden Temple.”
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