Operation Blue Star was initiated after escalating tensions between the Indian Government and the Sikh community, which were exemplified by demands for greater autonomy and issues surrounding the treatment of Sikhs in India. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi ordered the operation to capture militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who had fortified himself and his followers within the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar. The operation began on June 5, with the Indian Army systematically surrounding the temple, utilizing heavy artillery and infantry units to drive out the militants. The military engagement lasted several days and was brutal, with casualties on both sides and significant damage to the sacred Sikh site.

The assault led to tragic loss of life, with estimates of civilian casualties reaching into the hundreds and possibly thousands. The Golden Temple, regarded as the holiest site in Sikhism, suffered extensive damage, impacting its status and reverence among Sikhs globally. The operation was met with fierce criticism both domestically and internationally, deepening the rift between the Sikh community and the Indian government. Indira Gandhi's decision and the government's handling of the situation ignited anger and protests, further escalating the tensions in Punjab and across India.

The aftermath of the operation was profound: it intensified the Sikh demand for autonomy, led to a rise in militancy in Punjab, and triggered a cycle of violence that resulted in tragic events such as the assassination of Indira Gandhi later that year. The operation's ramifications were felt well into the following decades, influencing both political and social landscapes in India, as well as shaping international perceptions of India's treatment of its Sikh population.