London: An official investigation had shown Britain did advise India on planning Operation Blue Star against Sikh militants in the Golden Temple at Amritsar in 1984, said Britain’s foreign secretary William Hague on Tuesday.
Hague, however, also added that its advice had limited impact.
Notify that Operation Blue Star triggered the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
A review had been ordered by UK Prime Minister David Cameron into the matter last month after newly released official papers suggested that Margaret Thatcher, then Prime Minister, had sent an officer from the elite SAS special air service to advise the Indians on the raid.
Hague told Parliament, “The nature of the UK’s assistance was purely advisory, limited and provided to the Indian government at an early stage.” “It had limited impact on the tragic events that unfolded at the temple three months later.”
Hague added that there had been no link between the provision of this advice and British defence sales to India and there was no record of Britain receiving advance notice of Operation Blue Star.
The statement of Hague is likely to upset Sikh groups and could damage the Congress party, which faces an uphill struggle to be re-elected in national polls due by May.
Bureau Report
yes birtish govt. Should be apologise