Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday underscored the necessity for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the 1984 Operation Blue Star, raising questions about how the military operation was conducted. He also called for legal measures, including the registration of FIRs, against the governments that were in power at the time.
Mann Questions Handling of Operation
During the special session of the Punjab Assembly, Mann stated that during the military action, no consideration appeared to have been given to religious sentiments or the sanctity of the religious site. His remarks came after Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema sought a debate in the House on the Nakodar police firing incident of February 4, 1986, in which four unarmed youths were killed in Jalandhar.
Background of the Debate
The demand for a probe into Operation Blue Star has been a recurring issue in Punjab politics. The operation, conducted in June 1984, aimed to flush out militants from the Golden Temple in Amritsar, resulting in significant casualties and damage to the shrine. Mann's call for legal action against the then government reflects his administration's stance on historical grievances.
The special session of the Punjab Assembly provided a platform for lawmakers to discuss these sensitive historical events. Mann emphasized that the truth behind the operation must be brought to light to ensure justice and prevent such incidents in the future.
