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Videos
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1984 Battle of Amritsar - June 3: A Day of Commemoration
This day was Guru Arjan Sahib’s martyrdom. Thousands gathered to commemorate. A total curfew was imposed, trapping thousands of civilians inside the Complex; no opportunity was given for civilians to leave.
1984 Battle of Amritsar - June 2: Inside Perspectives
"Let us join hands together to heal wounds… to all sections of Panjabis, I appeal - don’t shed blood, shed hatred.” - Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India, during a live broadcast “But the Prime Minister had already decided she would shed blood if necessary.” - Mark Tully (BBC Journalist), Amritsar, Mrs.Gandhi's Last Battle Learn about the impact of 1984: https://sikhri.org/tags/june-1984
1984 Battle of Amritsar - June 2: Panjab Sealed Off
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.
1984 Battle of Amritsar - June 1: Inside Perspectives
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
1984 Battle of Amritsar - June 1: Attack Begins
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.
Representing 1984
Join us as we explore the recent rise of literature, art, film, and photography focusing on the anti-Sikh violence of 1984.
1984 Battle of Amritsar - June 3: A Day of Commemoration
This day was Guru Arjan Sahib’s martyrdom. Thousands gathered to commemorate. A total curfew was imposed, trapping thousands of civilians inside the Complex; no opportunity was given for civilians to leave.
1984 Battle of Amritsar - June 3: Inside Perspectives
“When I met Bhindranwale on the evening of 3 June 1984 in the Akal Takht, I did not know that I was perhaps the last journalist to meet the lion in his den.”- Subhash Kirpekar (Journalist), “Operation Blue Star: An Eyewitness Account”
1984 Battle of Amritsar - June 4: Operation Bluestar Begins
“Operation Blue Star” begins. Indian Army attacks the Complex and more than 120 other Gurduaras in Panjab simultaneously. The shelling of the Complex starts between 4 and 5 am. At 7:00 pm, Major-General KS Brar orders Vijayanta tanks towards the clock tower entrance. Thousands of Sikh pilgrims were killed.
1984 Battle of Amritsar - June 4: Inside Perspectives
The Army began the assault on June 4 morning by firing heavy artillery and mortars against the temple complex, destroying the tops of two 18 century towers, the water tank behind a large public assembly room called Teja Singh Samundri Hall...
1984 Battle of Amritsar - June 5: No Way Out
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.
1984 Battle of Amritsar - June 5: Inside Perspectives
"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)
Articles
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Subversion of Justice
Over the past forty years, more than ten commissions and inquiry committees have been set up to find the truth behind the November 1984 Sikh genocide, probing the role of police and politicians and seeking to identify the culprits.
Echoes of 1984
This interview delves into the profound reflections of author Ajeet Cour, a witness to both the 1947 Partition and the 1984 Ghallughara, and her daughter, artist Arpana Caur.
Legacy of 1984
Discover the essence of Sikhi in "Legacy of 1984: Rising Voices," a poetic tribute that delves into the indomitable spirit of Sikhs during tumultuous times.
Why Was Bhindranwale There?
Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale is a pivotal figure in the events of 1984. There is much consternation and confusion over his actions and choices in the lead-up to the June 1984 Ghallughara.
No More Blue Stars
In recent years, diasporic Sikhs have been moving to consciously avoid using the terms Operation Blue Star or Holocaust and instead use terms like the Battle of Amritsar, genocide, or Ghallughara when speaking about June and November 1984.
The Attack on Political Sikhi
What did Indira Gandhi hope to achieve in the June 1984 attack on the Harimandar Sahib Complex and Gurduaras around Panjab? What was the goal of the Indian National Congress (I) party’s brutal and genocidal pogroms against Sikhs across the country in...
1984 Woke Me Up From A Deep Slumber
In this poignant reflection, Inni Kaur shares her awakening from a cultural Sikh to a deeply connected follower, driven by the pain and loss of June 1984.
You Could Have Heard a Pin Drop
Date: June 10th or 11th, 1984 – General Brar via his ADC (Aide de Camp) requested to meet a few of the old Sikh and Hindu families in Amritsar. Grudgingly, my parents agreed to host the dinner. The General (wearing his decorated uniform) along with 5-7 Indian Army Officers entered our home in a celebratory mood, as if they were to going to attend a victory lap. But, what transpired was very different. There were approximately 40 civilians from various families also present.
1984: My Struggle & Inspiration
Dr. Pritpal Singh shares his reflections on the events of 1984 in India against Sikhs, where many innocent lives were lost.
June 1984 Ghallughara
The June 1984 army action on the Golden Temple complex – Sri Harimandar Sahib and Akal Takht Sahib – was a tipping point in the Sikh and Indian history 33 years ago.
1984 is in my DNA
Thirty-three years ago the world’s fourth largest army marched into Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar, India.
Don't Ask, My Daughter
Tell me, Mother! What is the truth? What is a lie?
Podcasts
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1984: Witness, Document, Justice
Since 1984, in the aftermath of “Operation Blue Star” and the Sikh Genocide, many narratives have surfaced—graphic, heartbreaking, and deeply emotional. Yet, one crucial perspective often remains overlooked: the voices of the first responders.
Heartbeats of ‘84
Join host Santbir Singh as he delves into the profound impact of 1984 through the personal reflections of guest Pritpal Singh.
1984 & Its Afterlives
To mark the 40th year of the violence of 1984, we reflect on the events that unfolded in India and make connections with the ongoing and durable violence against Sikhs, Muslims, and other minority groups in India and the diaspora.
The Attack on Political Sikhi
Manvinder Kaur and Santbir Singh explore the events of 1984 that forever transformed the landscape of Sikh history and politics in India.
Why Was Bhindranwale There?
Santbir Singh delves into the complex and sometimes controversial legacy of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale during the events of June 1984.
Legacy of 1984
Through vivid imagery and heartfelt verses, Inni Kaur revisits 1984, weaving threads of courage, resilience, and unwavering devotion. Join this lyrical exploration today.
What would Guru Nanak Sahib do in 1984?
What would Guru Nanak Sahib do in 1984? Listen to this discussion between Harinder Singh and the Sikh Cast host, Manpreet Singh.
1984: Why Should I Care?
Why do I care about the violence that occurred during 1984…why should I care?
1984: The Devoted & The Worldly: Harinder Singh – The Sikh Cast | SikhRI
We're taking an in-depth look at the events of Operation Blue Star in 1984 in Amritsar, Panjab. It's considered the third Ghallughara, or massacre, in Sikh history. The Indian government assaulted the sacred Golden Temple Complex and Akal Takht. In this episode, SikhRI's Senior Fellow on Research and Policy speaks to a live audience to provide clarity and context on the operation and it's legacy on the Sikh community. He answers why the attack happened, it's the historical context and why the memory is kept alive in #Remember1984.
Genocide
How do we remember? How do we advocate? How do we survive? In this episode we feature three leading voices in the November 1984 Anti-Sikh pogroms study.
1984 Remembrance: The Sikhs and the Indian State
Join Harinder Singh and Manpreet Singh as they discuss 1984 and explore its parallels with human rights movements today.
Representing 1984
Join us as we explore the recent rise of literature, art, film, and photography focusing on the anti-Sikh violence of 1984.
Courses
Resources
Getting to Know 1984
Embark on a journey to explore the Ghallugharas (large-scale massacres and battles) of 1984. Discover the resilience and sacrifices of the Sikhs and uncover the critical lessons they impart for our present and future.
A Special Report on Historical Context 1984
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the current crisis involving Sikhs, Panjab, India, and the diaspora, with a focus on the historical context primarily from 1984 to 2023.
The Ghallughara of 1984 - Lesson Plan for 6-8
An education resource that highlights the persecution of Sikhs in India during the 1984 Ghallughara (code named Operation Blue Star by the Indian government) and the Sikh principles of justice.
