British Sikh MPs Demand Independent Probe Into UK's Role In Operation Blue Star

Last Updated:June 05, 2025, 20:59 IST

Two British Sikh MPs, Warinder Juss and Jas Athwal, claimed that the then-Thatcher government had provided strategic advice to Indian forces for Operation Blue Star in 1984.

Former UK PM Margaret Thatcher with her then Indian counterpart Indira Gandhi. (File)

Two British Sikh MPs, Warinder Juss and Jas Athwal, have demanded an independent investigation into the involvement of the then Margaret Thatcher-led UK government in India’s Operation Blue Star in June 1984.

Operation Blue Star was ordered by the Indira Gandhi government in June 1984 to remove Sikh militants led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who were hiding inside Amritsar’s Golden Temple. Hundreds of people were killed, and the holy site was damaged in the operation. Indira Gandhi was later assassinated by her bodyguards in retaliation for the operation, triggering widespread riots.

On the 41st anniversary of the operation, Juss and Athwal raised the matter during the “Business of the House" session with the Leader of the UK’s House of Commons (British Parliament), Lucy Powell. They pointed out Powell’s assurance to their fellow Sikh Labour MP, Tan Dhesi, of the “need to get to the bottom of what happened" earlier this year.

Citing official documents, British Sikh MPs alleged that the Thatcher government had assisted India by offering strategic advice for Operation Blue Star. “Since 2014 there have been many calls to establish the extent of the British government’s involvement, and many assurances have been given," said Juss.

“Will the Leader of the House give a statement to the House announcing an independent, judge-led public inquiry to, in her own words, get to the bottom of what happened."

‘No Updates So Far’

Responding to Juss’ query, Powell responded by acknowledging the concerns of members of the country’s Sikh community but said she did not have an update since the last time the matter was raised in Parliament in early January. “When I was asked about this issue previously, I did follow up, and I am sorry to say that I am still waiting," she said.

Later, Athwal highlighted that this week coincides with the anniversary of Operation Blue Star. “Some 41 years later, questions about British involvement in the desecration of the holiest Sikh site in Amritsar remain unanswered. Labour promised in its 2017 and 2019 manifestos to hold an inquiry, and the Prime Minister [Keir Starmer] and the Deputy Prime Minister [Angela Rayner] pledged to do so before the last election," he said.

In response to Athwal, Powell said she understood how important it was for the British Sikh community to see “progress on this issue".

“That is the second time that it has been raised with me this morning. I will ensure that the Foreign Secretary [David Lammy] is aware of the concerns being raised again on the Floor of the House and that the update I previously asked for is made available to Members and this House," she said.

A few years ago, former British Prime Minister, David Cameron, had ordered an internal review into the UK’s role in the operation, which led to a statement in Parliament declaring that Britain’s role had been purely “advisory" and the Special Air Service (SAS) advice had “limited impact" on Operation Blue Star in June 1984.

(with PTI inputs)

London, United Kingdom (UK)

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