The recently released letters indicating that Britain had a role to play in Operation Blue Star against Sikhs in 1984 has created a furore in United Kingdom and Delhi, pushing the British Prime Minister David Cameron to order for a probe.
The development came in view of information of late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's role in Operation Blue Star to curb Sikh extremists in October 1984 in India.
The files on Operation Blue Star were made public at the end of 30-year secrecy rule.
Operation Blue Star is the most criticised and violent operation that led to anti-Sikh riots, killing more than 1000 people. This anti-Sikh operation led to the assassination of India's late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who had approved the plan. The revelation is said to be in letters declassified by the National Archives of United Kingdom.
In a statement dated 23 February 1984 titled 'Sikh Community', an official with the foreign secretary explained that "the foreign secretary wishes him to be made aware of some background which could increase the possibility of repercussions among the Sikh communities in this country" reported The Times of India.
"The Indian authorities recently sought British advice over a plan to remove Sikh extremists from the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The foreign secretary decided to respond favourably to the Indian request and, with the Prime Minister's agreement, a SAD (probably misspelling SAS) officer has visited India and drawn up a plan which has been approved by Mrs Gandhi. The foreign secretary believes that the Indian government may put the plan into operation shortly," it added.
The British Special Air Services Officers were said to have flown to India to aid in planning the raid of the Golden Temple to flush out militants from the temple.
Cameron has directed Jeremy Haywood, Cabinet Secretary of British Government to conduct an investigation in the matter. The premier's spokesman said that the investigation will examine two issues - British action in 1984 and the decision to release such sensitive government papers, reported PTI.
Meanwhile, the intelligence officials involved in the operations during the period denied using any British Plan and said the entire operation was planned and executed by the Indian army.
