UK Sikhs Demand Public Inquiry into Britain's Role in Operation Blue Star
The Sikh Federation UK has issued a firm ultimatum to UK Labour leader Keir Starmer, threatening to campaign against Labour MPs starting August 1 if a judge-led public inquiry into Britain’s involvement in the 1984 Operation Blue Star is not announced by the end of July.
Background and Recent Rally
Operation Blue Star was a 1984 military operation conducted by the Indian government targeting Sikh militants holed up in Amritsar’s Golden Temple. Its 41st anniversary was recently marked by a rally in London’s Trafalgar Square with over 10,000 Sikhs in attendance, underscoring the deep emotional and political significance of the event within the Sikh community.
Political Commitments and Community Expectations
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner publicly pledged to initiate the inquiry before the 2024 general elections, and the Labour Party included the promise in two consecutive manifestos. Despite these commitments, the Sikh Federation UK criticizes the delay and demands a formal announcement in Parliament.
Scope of the Proposed Inquiry
The Sikh Federation insists the inquiry must address two critical issues:
- Britain’s involvement in the Indian military operation in June 1984.
- Anti-Sikh actions that took place in the United Kingdom during Margaret Thatcher’s government.
The Federation plans to engage MPs directly, requesting written confirmation of their support for the inquiry by the July deadline.
Political Consequences and Cross-Party Engagement
The letter warning Labour leadership states that the failure to act could severely undermine the re-election prospects of several Labour MPs. It highlights growing support among Sikh voters for Reform UK and independent candidates. Additionally, the Sikh Federation UK is reportedly in discussions with Reform UK, Liberal Democrats, and the Scottish National Party (SNP) to broaden political support for the inquiry.
Historical Documentation and Controversy
Declassified documents from January 2014 revealed that Margaret Thatcher’s government sent a British SAS officer to India in February 1984 to assist Indian officials in planning the military operation. However, the then-cabinet secretary stated there was no record of British assistance during the June 1984 assault beyond limited military advice in February, describing it as an isolated incident.
The Sikh Federation UK disputes this characterization, referencing its 2017 report titled Sacrificing Sikhs. The report alleges that the British government secretly provided training and equipment to the Indian military before the June operation and further support to Indian forces afterwards to manage the Sikh uprising. The Federation believes a judge-led inquiry would reveal that British involvement was substantial rather than minimal.
Summary
Faced with unresolved questions about Britain’s role and delayed political action, the Sikh Federation UK has mobilized a significant community response, pressing for transparency and accountability. The unfolding political developments will determine the pace and extent of this inquiry and its potential impact on UK politics.
