Operation Blue Star The True Story

OPERATION Blue Star is one of the most controversial, holly-debated military operations in the world and certainly one which will be regarded as a turning point in contemporary Indian history.

This is an account by the Army officer who led it - touchingly honest, often anguished, minutely detailed. It is perhaps the most accurate and fascinating piece of reporting that we shall ever have on "one of the most extraordinary, sensitive and traumatic operations in military history." It hides nothing - not the unexpected reverses suffered by the Army, nor its miscalculations, nor the grit and determination of the militants it was assigned to flush out. Detailed operational sketch maps, photographs and documentary authentication lend credence to a detailed chronological account with all its traumas, breathstopping climaxes and inevitable denouements.

While demolishing many myths, criticisms and half-truths, it seeks bravely to answer many of the questions that plague not only Sikhs but all Indians.

The author, who was involved in the planning and execution of the Operation at every stage, is perhaps the only one who really knows what exactly transpired on the fateful night of 5 June 1984. This is his story. The whole truth. And nothing but the truth.

About the Author:

PVSM, AVSM, VrC, ADC, was born in 1934 at Lahore in the then undivided India. He was educated at the Doon School, Dehra Dun.

During his illustrious military career, he has held a number of prestigious command, staff and instructional appointments in the Indian Army. He has commanded an Infantry, an independent armoured Brigade, an Infantry Division and a Corps. He has also held the coveted appointment of Commandant, Defence Services Staff College at Wellington. He retired on 30 September 1992, as the general Officer Commanding-in-Chief. Eastern Command (India). A graduate of the Australian Staff College and an alumnus of the United States War College, Lt. Gen. Brar is the recipient of numerous awards for gallantry and distinguished service of an exceptionally high order. His varied operational experiences cover the entire Indian theatre in all major events where the Army was committed.

He is now working on his next book Fighting Insurgency and Terrorism.