It starts with stray strikes,then assumes dangerous proportions as Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale takes on the Indian state demanding Khalistan. The AK-47 spurts terror, as bus massacres and killings multiply. In border areas, a militant mood prevails.
The Golden Temple becomes the key terrorist hideout. Operation Bluestar follows in June 1984. A controversial mis -sion,it deeply hurts the Sikh psyche. The army suffers heavy casualties. The Akal Takht is damaged badly in the operation. The fallout will be catastrophic.
October 30,1984:Indira tells a rally in Orissa,"Even if I die in the service of the nation, every drop of my blood will contribute to its growth ...." Next morning, as she walks from her residence to her office for a TV inter -view with Peter Ustinov, she is riddled with 18 bullets by her security guards,Beant and Satwant Singh. Rajiv enters the public consciousness,via national telecasts,with his dignified demeanour at the funeral.
