UK role in Operation Bluestar : Letter from Sikhs puts Govt on notice for probe

London, June 2 2025 (Bharat Khabarnama Bureau)- The Sikh Federation UK has issued a stern warning to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, demanding a judge-led public inquiry into Britain’s involvement in Operation Bluestar—a promise made by Labour in opposition and reiterated in two election manifestos. 

In a strongly worded letter signed by 455 gurdwaras and Sikh organisations, the Federation has threatened to enforce a “no-platform” policy against Labour MPs from August 1 if the inquiry is not announced by the end of July. The move comes as over 10,000 Sikhs gathered at Trafalgar Square on June 1 to mark the 41st anniversary of the 1984 military operation. 

The letter states: “If a judge-led public inquiry is not announced in Parliament by the end of July 2025, the Sikh community will implement a no-platform policy for all Labour MPs from August 1 that are not supporting the demand.” The Federation plans to individually contact MPs to secure written commitments by July-end. 

Deputy PM Angela Rayner had publicly pledged to hold the inquiry ahead of the 2024 general election. The Federation insists the probe must examine UK involvement in the Indian military operation as well as anti-Sikh measures in Britain under Margaret Thatcher’s government. 

The letter warns that failing to act could “have massive consequences for the re-election of many Labour MPs”, particularly with the rise of Reform UK and growing support for independent candidates. The Federation is reportedly in talks with Reform UK, Liberal Democrats, and the SNP to rally their backing. 

Documents released in January 2014 revealed that Britain had sent an SAS officer to India in February 1984 to assist in planning the operation after Indian authorities sought advice on removing Sikh militants from the Golden Temple. 

A subsequent inquiry by Jeremy Heywood, then Cabinet Secretary, concluded in February 2014 that UK involvement was “limited” to a “one-off” military advice session and that there was “no record of any other assistance.” 

However, the Sikh Federation disputes this, citing its 2017 ‘Sacrificing Sikhs’ report, which claims: “The papers released prove training and equipment was secretly provided by Britain before the Indian army’s assault in June 1984.”

With pressure mounting, Labour faces a critical test in balancing diplomatic sensitivities with electoral repercussions. The Sikh vote, concentrated in key constituencies, could prove decisive in future polls.