Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Tan Dhesi calls for inquiry into Margaret Thatcher's role in Operation Blue Star

LABOUR lawmaker Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi has called for an independent inquiry into the involvement of the Margaret Thatcher government in Operation Blue Star in Punjab in 1984.

The UK's first turbaned Sikh member of Parliament raised the issue in the House of Commons on Thursday (4) to mark 36 years since the military operation at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, and called for a debate on the issue.


In the fist week of June 1984, the Indian Army was ordered to flush out militant religious leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his armed followers who had set up base inside the Golden Temple complex.

"This week marks 36 years since the then Indian Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, ordered her abhorrent attack on the most revered Sikh shrine, the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar,” Dhesi said.

The Slough MP added that the operation had led to "destruction of historic structures, genocide of Sikhs, and burning of the Sikh Reference Library".

"Sikhs can never forget 1984," he said.

"Despite recent revelations and given the huge demand from within the British Sikh community and the support of the Labour Party and other opposition parties, an independent inquiry to establish the extent of the Thatcher government’s involvement in the attack has still not been held.

"I am sure the leader of the House will agree that it’s atrocious and many still struggle for justice."

Responding on behalf of the government, leader of the Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg, said the event was an "important anniversary".

"The questions raised by Dhesi should be taken up during the adjournment debate," he added.

"But I have full confidence that Margaret Thatcher, who was one of the greatest leaders the UK has ever had, would always have behaved properly."

The demand for an inquiry arose a few years ago when it emerged that British military advice was given to Indian forces prior to the Operation Blue Star.

The then British prime minister, David Cameron, had ordered an internal review into this discovery, which led to a statement in Parliament declaring that Britain’s role had been purely "advisory" and the Special Air Service advice had "limited impact" on the Operation Blue Star in June 1984.

More For You

Bangladesh's Muhammad Yunus to step down after April polls

Chief adviser to the government of Bangladesh Professor Muhammed Yunus speaks during a live interview at Chatham House on June 11, 2025 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

Bangladesh's Muhammad Yunus to step down after April polls

BANGLADESH interim leader Muhammad Yunus said on Wednesday (11) that there was "no way" he wanted to continue in power after elections he has announced for April, the first since a mass uprising overthrew the government.

The South Asian nation of around 180 million people has been in political turmoil since a student-led revolt ousted then prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, ending her 15-year rule.

Keep ReadingShow less
Leicester residents invited to shape future of local councils

The proposed reorganisation could save £43m a year, say council leaders, but critics question the figure

Leicester residents invited to shape future of local councils

Hannah Richardson

RESIDENTS can now have their say on a plan which would see the number of local councils in Leicestershire drop from eight to two.

The proposal is one of three put forward for the political re-organisation of Leicestershire after the government told local leaders it wanted areas with two tiers of councils – such as the county – to reduce it to a single-tier set up.

Keep ReadingShow less
Modi & Trump

Donald Trump and Narendra Modi shake hands as they attend a joint press conference at the White House on February 13, 2025.

Reuters

India, US talks edge towards interim trade deal: Report

INDIAN and US negotiators reported progress after four days of closed-door meetings in New Delhi on Tuesday, focusing on market access for industrial and some agricultural goods, tariff cuts and non-tariff barriers, according to Indian government sources.

"The negotiations held with the US side were productive and helped in making progress towards crafting a mutually beneficial and balanced agreement including through achievement of early wins," one of the sources said to Reuters.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jaishankar-Getty

Jaishankar, who is currently in Europe a month after India launched Operation Sindoor, said Pakistan was training 'thousands' of terrorists 'in the open' and 'unleashing' them on India. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

India will strike deep into Pakistan if provoked, says Jaishankar

INDIA's external affairs minister S Jaishankar has said India would strike deep into Pakistan if provoked by terrorist attacks, and warned of retribution against terrorist organisations and their leaders in response to incidents like the Pahalgam attack.

Speaking to Politico on Monday, Jaishankar, who is currently in Europe a month after India launched Operation Sindoor, said Pakistan was training “thousands” of terrorists “in the open” and “unleashing” them on India.

Keep ReadingShow less