India    03-Jun-1984

The Indian Army storms the Golden Temple (the holiest shrine in Sikhism), in Amritsar using tanks and heavy artillery to flush out militants from the Akal Takht as part of Operation Bluestar. Several other Khalistani strongholds were also attacked across the state. The Akal Takht was extensively damaged during the three-day operation. Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Amrik Singh, General Subeg Singh and many other extremists killed in the attack. Harchand Singh Longowal, GS Tohra, Manjit Singh, Harminder Singh Sandhu and others arrested from the Golden Temple. Prakash Singh Badal demands the withdrawal of the army from the Golden Temple. He also calls on Sikhs to observe June 17 as “Ardas Diwas” and to wear black turbans and dupattas and return medals or awards received from the government.

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