Operation Blue Star was a critical military operation launched by the Indian government aimed at addressing the growing unrest and militant activities within the Sikh community in Punjab. The operation was initiated in June to capture or neutralize Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his followers, who were entrenched in the Golden Temple, a revered site for Sikhs. The Indian Army, under the command of Major General Kuldip Singh Brar, faced the complex task of entering a site regarded as sacred while managing the political and social implications of their actions.

The military's approach involved a combination of air and ground assaults, with troops moving into various sections of the temple complex. The operation encountered vigorous resistance from Bhindranwale's group, which had fortified their positions within the temple. The fighting, which integrated urban and guerrilla warfare tactics, led to extensive damage not just to the temple structure but also to the surrounding area and the local populace.

In addition to the intense military engagement, the operation had significant implications for the Sikh community and Indian politics. While the government intended to restore order, the heavy civilian casualties and desecration of a sacred space incited outrage among Sikhs around the world, leading to a protracted period of tension and violence in Punjab and beyond, ultimately altering the trajectory of Sikh nationalism and Indian political dynamics for decades to come.