Operation Blue Star: The True Story (1993) - Plot & Excerpts
Ok, having read this book I feel it does give a somewhat accurate account of events that took place from an Indian military point of view. Some of the facts and figures don't seem right though. For instance, in the book Brar keeps pointing out that the Akal Thakat had become a killing ground for the Indian Soldiers and they suffered heavy losses and casualties. But the Government white paper stipulates that only 123 soldiers lost their lives and approx 250 injured. Very hard to believe those figures, same kind of figures in the book. Eye witnesses state that 1000's of soldiers littered the complex. I suppose the Government couldn't really publish these figures as it would be somewhat embarrassing,considering India had the 4th largest and stongest army in the world at that time, and for a rag tag bunch of 350 -500 brave sikh warriors to keep them at bay for 4 days is an amazing feat and display of valour and fighting spirit. Just an awful shame that this event took place and I'm 100% certian it could have been avoided if the Government actually acted quicker when it had a chance too. They even arrested Bhindranwale and had him in custody but they released him without sufficient evidence. What also beggars disbelieve is why out of all days did they choose to attack on a day when they knew 1000's of pilgrims would be flocking to Harmandir Sahib on a Gurpurab? Contrary to the points stated as to why they chose to attack is very unrealistic in my point of view. This was a deliberate attack on the Sikh faith. A great shame considering if it wasn't for the Sikhs there would be no Bharat... all males would have been circumcised and women wearing the Hijab..... Now here is a topic where the people involved will always stick to their side of the story, no matter how much proof is given and how many documents are written. This book does not talk about all these things. This book neither is a compilation of the events that led to or resulted from the Operation Blue Star. This is just a on ground account of those 3-4 fateful days when the military operation took place.Throughout the book the author sticks to the points, important related events are briefly touched upon so that reader has context also and do not go wayward from the real topic.Military operation details are given very nicely, maps make it easy to understand. What the military would have faced from the opposition is also explained very nicely.A good book. Certainly you would have a better context while reading this book if you are aware of the events leading to this day. A little knowledge about Indira Gandhi and Indian Emergency period also sets up good context to the book.
What do You think about Operation Blue Star: The True Story (1993)?
I am trying to understand if I really can read this book, website is not user friendly.
—taylor
