Many of the arrested Sikh devotees were brutally beaten and killed. Thousands of Sikhs from rural Panjab marched towards the Complex when they heard about the army's attack. They were fired upon from helicopters.
The army deliberately set fire to the Sikh Reference Library after the attack was over. Valuable archives and material of significant historical importance were destroyed in this fire. The army claims that the library caught fire during the crossfire. The library was intact until the evening of June 6, 1984. This has been verified by the in-charge of the library, Sardar Devinder Singh Duggal. The library was set ablaze on June 7, in the early hours of the morning.
“The effect of this barrage on the Akal Takht was devastating. The whole front of the sacred shrine was destroyed, leaving hardly a pillar standing.” - Mark Tully, Amritsar, Mrs. Gandhi's Last Battle
Lieutenant-General Jagjit Singh Aurora, who studied the front of the Akal Takht before it was repaired, reckoned that as many as eighty high-explosive squash-head shells were fired into the Akal Takht Sahib.
"We tried to get these people out but could only achieve partial success because the army began its offensive.”- Apar Singh Bajwa, DSP of Panjab Police (BBC News Flash-Backs, 3 June 2004)
Tanks and Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) fire at the Complex structures. Many civilians either die, are injured, or are unfairly arrested. Thousands remain trapped in the crossfire.
Two major events took place in India, during 1984 in quick succession within a span of 5 month. The Indian Army attacked Akal Takhat Sahib in June, and an anti-Sikh genocidal campaign was undertaken by the ruling political party with...
Don't Ask. Poem by Inni KaurDon’t ask, my daughter what happened in 1984.These wounds are still raw don’t touch them.
Why is Remembrance necessary? Harinder Singh and Manpreet Singh talk about 1984 and parallels with human rights movements today.
Pilgrims start to gather at Sri Harimandar Sahib and Akal Takht Sahib Complex, commemorating the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Sahib. The Border Security Force and the Central Reserve Police Force start firing upon the Complex to test the defenses and preparedness of the Sikh fighters, in which at least 8 people died.
On June 1 afternoon, mixed groups of various security agencies that had occupied the multi-storied buildings in the circumference did open fire against the temple complex when Bhindranwale was holding his audience on the roof of the kitchen building. Instead of targeting Bhindranwale, the sharpshooters aimed at various buildings, including the main shrine of Harmandir Sahib which sustained 34 bullet marks. The objective of this barrage of firing, that lasted for seven hours, was to assess the strength, the training, and the preparedness of Bhindranwale’s resistance. According to Devinder Singh Duggal, in charge of the Sikh Reference Library located inside the Golden Temple complex and an eye-witness, Bhindranwale’s followers were under strict instructions “not to fire a single shot unless and until the security forces or the Army entered the holy Golden Temple.” The action claimed the lives of eight pilgrims, including a woman and a child, inside the temple complex and injured 25 others. The Government of India’s document called the White Paper on Punjab released on 10 July 1984, does not acknowledge this incident. - Ram Narayan Kumar, Reduced to Ashes
Panjab is “Sealed off” to foreigners. Indian Army replaces Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Border Security Force (BSF) in Panjab. At least seven divisions of the army are deployed in the villages of Panjab.
I once met an elderly man who had taken pictures before and after 1984. I asked him: “What was it like photographing 84’?” His response: “I feel like I have been photographing 1984 my entire life.”
Tell me, Mother! What is the truth? What is a lie?
Guru Arjan Sahib reminds us: the Divine lives in all. Through Sabad and inner churning, doubt dissolves, and Divine Presence is realized within.
Guru Teghbahadur Sahib reminds us: when all else fades, only the Divine remains. Anchor in Nam—the boat that carries you beyond life’s illusions.
Guru Arjan Sahib reveals: the Divine is near. Surrender ego, live in love, and merge into the One. The bride-lover walks the path of bliss and truth.
True freedom comes when inner doubt dissolves. Guru Arjan Sahib urges us to stop pretending, walk in truth, and align with the One who sees all.
Guru Arjan Sahib’s sabad reveals the grip of pride and Maya’s illusion. Liberation comes by heeding the wise, shedding desires, and surrendering to the Guru’s Grace
Sheikh Farid’s sabad expresses the agony of Divine separation. When compassion dawns, longing ends, and the seeker finds the Beloved everywhere.
Guru Arjan Sahib’s sabad teaches that true fulfillment comes from meditating on Nam, living in divine awareness, and singing praises, leading to eternal peace.
Guru Ramdas Sahib’s sabad shows that devotion to Nam transcends caste. True devotees shine beyond status, removing doubts and leading to Divine union.
Guru Nanak Sahib’s sabad urges true living is beyond titles and rituals. True worth lies in inner purity, self-reflection, and divine awareness.
Bhagat Kabir ji urges us to look within, not argue. True peace comes from self-reflection, Divine connection, and compassion, not empty debates or rituals.
Join Harinder Singh and Manpreet Singh as they discuss 1984 and explore its parallels with human rights movements today.
Join Harinder Singh and Manpreet Singh as they discuss 1984 and explore its parallels with human rights movements today.