• It is a code name given to an Indian Military Operation to remove the separatists who were hidden inside the Golden Temple at Amritsar on 5^th June 1984.
• The operation commenced on 3^rd June1984 and lasted until 8^th June 1984.
• The operation was ordered by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, primarily to take control of the Harmandir Sahib Complex in Amritsar (popularly known as the Golden Temple).
• The Indian military entered the premises of the temple to drive out the Sikh extremist religious leader, Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his armed followers.
• The operation had two components: Operation Metal, the invasion on the temple complex, and Operation Shop, confined to the countryside of the state.
• Bhindranwale was killed during the operation, along with many of his armed supporters and civilians.
• Background
  • Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale wanted the Indian government to pass the Anandpur Resolution, and thereby agree to the formation of a separate state of Khalistan for Sikhs.
  • Since 1982, this radical leader of Sikhism had managed to gain enough support for his cause and by mid-1983 had set up a base inside the Golden Temple complex, with ammunition and his followers.
  • Hence, the operation was launched with the aim of getting rid of Bhindranwale and his demands.
  • The operation's aftermath directly led to the assassination of Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984, by her Sikh bodyguards as retaliation for the military action at the Golden Temple.

National Security Guard

• The National Security Guard (NSG) is a counter-terrorism unit that formally came into existence in 1986 by an act of Parliament- ‘National Security Guard Act, 1986’.
• Headquarters: Manesar, Gurugram.
• The idea behind raising such force came in the aftermath of Operation Blue Star, Akshardham Temple attack and the assassination of former PM Indira Gandhi, for combating terrorist activities with a view to protect states against internal disturbances.

Golden Temple

• It is also known as Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib, is one of the most revered spiritual sites for Sikhs.
• Location: Amritsar, Punjab
• It is renowned for its unique blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles.
• In 2010, the Golden Temple was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Golden Temple