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Operation Blue Star Book K S Brar

Operation Blue Star: The True Story - A Book Review

Operation Blue Star was one of the most controversial and debated military operations in India's history. It was launched in June 1984 by the Indian Army to flush out Sikh separatists who had occupied the Golden Temple, the holiest shrine of Sikhism, in Amritsar, Punjab. The operation resulted in heavy casualties on both sides and sparked widespread protests and violence across the country.

One of the most authentic and detailed accounts of this operation is written by Lt. General K.S. Brar, who was the commander of the operation. His book, Operation Blue Star: The True Story, published in 1993, is a first-hand narration of the events that led to and followed the operation. Brar reveals the challenges, difficulties, and dilemmas faced by the Army in carrying out this sensitive and risky mission. He also exposes the miscalculations, mistakes, and reverses suffered by the Army during the operation.

The book is divided into four parts: The Prelude, The Operation, The Aftermath, and The Epilogue. In the first part, Brar gives a background of the rise of Sikh militancy in Punjab and the role of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the charismatic leader of the separatists who had taken over the Golden Temple complex with his armed followers. He also explains the political and diplomatic factors that influenced the decision to launch the operation.

In the second part, Brar describes the planning and execution of the operation in detail. He gives a day-by-day account of the events from June 1 to June 8, 1984, when the Army stormed into the Golden Temple complex and cleared it of militants. He also provides operational sketch maps, photographs, and documents to support his narration. He reveals how the Army faced stiff resistance from the well-entrenched and heavily-armed militants who had fortified themselves inside various buildings within the complex. He also admits how the Army underestimated the strength and determination of the militants and how it had to face unexpected difficulties such as media blackout, curfew, communication breakdown, civilian casualties, and public outrage.

In the third part, Brar analyses the aftermath of the operation and its impact on India's security, politics, and society. He discusses how the operation triggered a wave of violence and unrest in Punjab and other parts of India. He also reflects on how the operation affected his personal life and career. He narrates how he faced threats and attacks from Sikh extremists who considered him a traitor and a murderer. He also shares his views on how to deal with terrorism and separatism in India.

In the fourth part, Brar concludes his book by summarizing his main arguments and observations. He defends his role and actions in the operation as a professional soldier who was following orders from his superiors. He also expresses his regret and sorrow for the loss of lives and damage caused by the operation. He appeals for peace and harmony among all communities in India.

Operation Blue Star: The True Story is a valuable and insightful book for anyone who wants to understand one of the most critical and controversial episodes in India's history. It is a rare and honest account of a military operation that changed India forever. a474f39169