Thread by @parixit111

Where did Indira Gandhi fail to gauge Punjab in 70's? Anandpur Sahib Resolution ('73), rising of Bhindranwale, #OperationBluestar ('84), an assassination, Sikh Riots & irreversibly damaged that changed geopolitical equation. Could the events handle better?
#THREAD
1/n

If at all point#3 (decentralization) was an unacceptable demand in Anadpur Sahib Resolution, post rounds of negotiations, Longowal, President of Akali Dal had well diluted that demand. But probably then it was too late for either side.
2/n

If you believe Dr. Subramanim Swamy, shared his personal meeting experience with Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the whole matter of demand of Khalistan was conspired & twisted by then PM Indira Gandhi under the misguidance of KGB.
@Swamy39
3/n

The theory is KGB wanted instability in the Punjab region aiming to inject communism citing that CIA & ISI fuelling Bhindranwale. You may/ may not trust this theory, but can't deny the fact that there have been enough references that IG was working under influence of KGB.
4/n

The shocking revelations in Mitrokhin Archive II written by Vasili Mitrokhin, a senior archival officer at KGB cited that Indira Gandhi govt was literally being operated via KGB in 70's-80's.
5/n

Coming back to Punjab,
Worth noting late 70's was a time when political dynamics dramatically changed.
- 75_77: Emergency
- Congress lost center post-emergency to Janta Party and so Punjab over Akali Dal
- Meanwhile, JSB's extremism rose (1978, deadly clashes with Nirankaris)
6/n

That was the moment when mere considering a political strategy of gaining votes over Akali Dal, and so advised by Ex-CM of Punjab Giani Zail Singh & Sanjay Gandhi, Indira Gandhi approved to implant, a high headed extremist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, against Akali Dal.
7/n

5th vol. of the book series A Centenary History of the INC cited “dirty politics” in the name of religion was one of the factors for terrorism & Khalistan agitation in Punjab. Read the excerpts below (of the book)

Article on same:
punemirror.indiatimes.com/news/india/zai…
8/n

INC often blames other political parties over communal division & polarization, however, the history is evident the mess they created in Punjab in 70's while the region has ripple effects even till today. Another book "Indira Gandhi: An overview" noted the same. (pic)
9/n

Now, the events unfolded in early 80's when INC regained power in the center & so in Punjab. However, by now JSB has become an uncontrollable menace for Congress & Gandhi. Specially after the unprecedented series of events in Sept-Oct 1981.
10/n

Sep-9, a prominent figure, MLA, MP & founder of Hind Samachar media group, Lala Jagat Narain shot dead in his Fiat car by two Enfield bullet bikers. Narain was known for his critical view of JSB & had condemned Nirankaris killings in 1978 in his newspapers.
Crime scene(pic)
11/n

Sep-10, around 80,000 mourn & anguished public assembled at last rites. Many lathi-wielding raised anti-Akali & anti-government slogans, followed by a scuffle with police. Opposition mounted all guns on govt over Punjab.
12/n

Sep-12, Under all public outrage & opposition pressure, an arrest warrant issued against JSB. While the center was apprehended, Darbara Singh (CM) insisted the arrest.
Sep-16, Punjab police went to arrest JSB only to face violent reluctance. 11 killed in clashes..
13/n

Post negotiation JSB announced surrender on Sep-20 with the condition of addressing his supporters before that. Police agreed.
Sep-20, A fateful day. JSB delivered a powerful sermon proclaiming his innocence against the state. soundcloud.com/jagowalajatha/…
14/n

This speech attended by 100s of sword & armed followers & senior Akali leaders, largely perceived as injustices done to the Sikhs, made JSB a 'hero' at another level. This 'allowed' event can be assumed as another blunder by INC.
15/n

Soon after his arrest, as expected, series of violence fumed entire province. Daylight murders, train derailed, riots & arson halted life. If this wasn't enough..
Sep-29, a plane was hijacked to demand release of JSB & other Sikh leaders. You read it right- a Hijack!
16/n

INC govt yet again miserably failed to control violence & ultimately Giani Zail Singh said in LS that 'no solid evidence found against JSB', led to..
15-Oct, JSB released.
Now, JSB once supported by INC, had become a much larger epicenter of extremism fully supported by ISI.
17/n

Even Akali Dal now to secure political gain in Punjab has shaken hands with JSB & launched Dharma Yudh Morcha in 1982, however, due to popularity JSB was a de-facto leader of movement & demanded uncompromised fulfillment of Anandpur Sahib Resolution.
18/n

Sorry if the thread is getting longer, we are entering into the closure phase.

During interviews, JSB remains vague about separate Khalistan as 'neither demanded, nor denied'. In a speech in Mar'83, JSB put the onus on Indira Gandhi about demands of Khalistan. (pic)
19/n

Nonetheless, JSB was untouchable politically & socially. Punjab drifted under siege. Whereas for IG, everything came around in a circle- political mileage through JSB, Akalis, ISI, CIA, KGB, Hindu/Sikh vote bank, Khalistan movement & a political image at stake.
20/n

While IG is all left with decisive measures, JSB fortified himself at Harmandir Sahib with his own army, trained by ISI with ammos & tactics.
In this clip, just 3 mths before Op BlueStar, she sounds quite helpless,out of options, apprehended & probably aware of consequences.
21/n

The world saw the shocking visuals of Operation Blue Star carried out by the Indian Army between 1-8 June 1984. At the cost of 100s of lives, collateral damages, Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale killed in operation.
22/n

After 5 months of Operation Blue Star, on 31-Oct, then PM Indira Gandhi assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards. For the next 4 days world witnessed one of the most horrific genocides, an organized pogrom against Sikh, cost 4K-17K lives, thousands missing or fled.
23/n

Rajiv Gandhi's candid statement for Anti-Sikh riots was largely perceived as his soft approval. From the implantation of Bhindranwale to Sikh Riots, there are errors committed by INC, the rest is history.
24/n

Ending the thread with a quote by Hegel (pic).

Rest I leave it to the readers' discretion what could be avoided, inevitable & relevant in even today's context.

Thanks for bearing with the long thread.

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