Introduction:
A senior military officer has disclosed that the head granthi (priest) of the Golden Temple allowed the Indian Army to deploy air defence guns on the shrine’s premises during Operation Sindoor in 1984. This revelation sheds new light on the complex dynamics between religious authorities and military operations during one of India’s most contentious counterinsurgency missions.
Operation Sindoor: Background and Context
Launched in June 1984, Operation Sindoor (later known as Operation Blue Star) was a military action to remove armed militants, including Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his followers, from the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar. The operation remains one of the most polarizing events in modern Indian history, with debates still raging over its necessity and execution.
The Head Granthi’s Role: A New Disclosure
According to the unnamed officer, the then-head granthi of the Golden Temple granted permission for the army to install air defence guns atop the parikrama (circumambulatory path). This detail contradicts long-held perceptions that the military acted unilaterally.
Key points from the revelation:
- The granthi’s cooperation was likely aimed at minimizing collateral damage to the sacred structure.
- Air defence guns were positioned to deter potential aerial threats, though no such attacks occurred.
- The disclosure suggests tacit coordination between religious custodians and security forces, complicating the narrative of unilateral state aggression.
Why This Matters Now
The timing of this revelation is significant because:
- Historical Reconciliation: It adds nuance to discussions about the operation’s legacy.
- Military-Religion Relations: Highlights how religious authorities navigated an impossible situation.
- Policy Implications: Raises questions about transparency in documenting sensitive operations.
Controversy and Reactions
While some historians view this as an attempt to reframe the narrative, others argue it underscores the tragic compromises forced upon religious leaders during crises. Sikh groups have demanded further declassification of military records for full accountability.
Conclusion:
This disclosure about the Golden Temple’s head granthi permitting air defence deployments during Operation Sindoor adds a previously unexplored dimension to the controversial operation. As India continues to grapple with the legacy of 1984, such revelations emphasize the need for a balanced, evidence-based understanding of history—one that acknowledges both state imperatives and the moral dilemmas faced by religious custodians.
