India's military (catch all)

[omarali50]

The full text is also posted on our blog (brownpundits.com)

http://brownpundits.blogspot.com/201...-bluestar.html

[Ray]

As reported in 'The Indian Express' on May 8 by Consulting Editor Seema Chishti, the book goes on to say: "It is inconceiveable that they could have done so without Indira Gandhi's consent. Sanjay and Zail Singh believed that by advocating extremist causes the young preacher would embarrass the Akali Dal. Precisely, the reverse happened. Bhindranwale soon turned into a classic Frankenstein's monster and embarked upon devouring his creators."

"Dirty politics and the use of religion for political ends clearly boomeranged on the Akali and Congress leadership with disastrous consequences for the Sikh community and the Indian state" the book says commenting on the situation in the aftermath of the Operation Blue Star.

Noting that Congress emerged as the single largest party in the state assembly in the 1972 elections and formed a government headed by Zail Singh, the book says, "by introducing a religious tone to Punjab politics, Giani succeeded to a great extent in weakening the Akalis. But the result--growing communalisation of provincial politics—was disastrous."

The book notes that Zail Singh organised one of the biggest religious processions "in order to secure Sikh votes for Congress".
http://archive.indianexpress.com/new...s-book/797608/

The whole mess of Punjab was the result of political oneupmanship that went out of control.

May also see this for a more detailed summary of the issues that led to Op Bluestar:

http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/public...falsehood4.htm

[davidbfpo]

The widely respcted, former BBC India correspondent, Mark Tully gives his own memories of the time and reflects on what has happened since:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worl...-disaster.html

[WGEwald]

Several people have been injured after Sikh groups brandishing swords clashed at India's Golden Temple as special prayers were held to mark the deadly military offensive there in 1984.

Reports said the fight at Sikhism's holiest shrine was over who would speak first at the ceremony and that a scuffle broke out over a microphone.

Footage showed men running down temple steps lashing out with their swords.

Reports said at least three people had been taken to hospital with injuries.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-27727812

[Ray]

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-27727812

Good to see you here.

It is all politics and quest for supremacy.

[WGEwald]

Good to see you here.

It is all politics and quest for supremacy.

Swords are not allowed in the US Senate, but there was a time canes were allowed.

http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/...les_Sumner.htm

[davidbfpo]

Many, many years ago on a MP-guided tour of the UK Parliament we were shown a coat rack for MPs, complete with tassles to hang swords on. In the House of Commons the front benches are just out of immediate sword range.

See:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toe_the_line and http://www.ianvisits.co.uk/blog/2013...om-parliament/

[Ray]

Swords are not allowed in the US Senate, but there was a time canes were allowed.

http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/...les_Sumner.htm

Sikhs by religion are allowed to carry kirpans (small swords) and now they wear representative miniature swords.

But then, some feel that they are a law unto themselves.

Like you chaps are politically sensitive to racial terminology like the N word, in India, as you must have realised we have the same squeamishness when it comes to 'minorities'.

Check this out

THE LANGUAGE OF DIFFERENCE
- Social attitudes and their changing vocabularies
http://www.telegraphindia.com/archives/archive.html (Link may not work, see next post)

Note that in India one can speak out without fear or favour.

I am sure this article will get some angry and some placating responses in India.

[Ray]

The widely respcted, former BBC India correspondent, Mark Tully gives his own memories of the time and reflects on what has happened since:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worl...-disaster.html

Ah Sir Mark!

Lord Haw Haw.