Amritsar Mrs Gandhi Last Battle (English)

Description

In “Amritsar: Mrs. Gandhi’s Last Battle,” Mark Tully, a seasoned BBC correspondent who reported extensively on India, provides an in-depth narrative of the historical and emotional events surrounding Operation Blue Star. The operation was aimed at removing Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his armed supporters, who had taken refuge inside the Golden Temple complex. Bhindranwale, a prominent Sikh leader, had become the face of the Sikh separatist movement, advocating for an independent Sikh state of Khalistan.

Tully’s narrative goes beyond just the military operation; he delves into the political missteps, religious tensions, and growing unrest in Punjab that led to one of the most tragic chapters in India’s post-independence history. He provides context to the Sikh grievances, the rise of militancy, and the subsequent hardline response from the Indian government.

Key Themes:

• Indira Gandhi’s Leadership: The book examines Indira Gandhi’s decisions and the complex political environment she faced. Tully reflects on how Gandhi, in her determination to maintain control and unity within India, made a pivotal decision to use military force to restore order in Punjab.
• Operation Blue Star: Mark Tully carefully details the military operation, its preparation, the execution, and the aftermath. The operation led to a significant loss of life, both of militants and innocent civilians, and severely damaged the Golden Temple, which caused deep resentment and anger among the Sikh community.
• Religious and Political Consequences: The book provides an exploration of the emotional and political fallout from the operation. Tully highlights how Operation Blue Star alienated Sikhs across India and worldwide, leading to Indira Gandhi’s assassination later that year by her Sikh bodyguards, and the anti-Sikh riots that erupted in Delhi and other cities in retaliation.
• Personal Accounts: Throughout the book, Tully incorporates personal stories and interviews with key figures from the time, offering readers a more human and empathetic perspective on the events. The book does not shy away from the pain and suffering endured by both the Sikhs and the broader Indian population as a result of these events.