‘Cong instigated Khalistani sentiments in 1970s for political gains’: Ex-RAW officer’s startling revelations

New Delhi: While the nation witnessed yet another anniversary of Operation Blue Star (June 1-6, 1984), a former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) officer has dropped a bombshell regarding the ‘propping up’ of Khalistani extremist Jarnail Singh Bhindrewala during late 1970s & also shed light on the ‘political conspiracy’ that was hatched in the highest corridors of power.

GBS Sidhu, the retired RAW officer, while speaking to ANI Editor Smita Prakash made explosive disclosures about the ‘political hand and conspiracy’ that went into ‘the making of Bhindrewala’ and eventually leading to Operation Bluestar.

In the interview, he lays bare the plot that was ‘conceived’ at 1, Akbar road at the command of top-rung Congress leadership and went on to reveal how pro-Khalistan sentiments and Sikh extremism were first deliberately encouraged and then crushed with an iron hand to draw political mileage.

He said that top Congress leaders including Kamal Nath hatched a plan at 1 Akbar road, with an aim to drive a wedge between Hindu & Sikh community by giving birth to Khalistani leader like Bhindrawale.

“All this started in mid-1978, when Gyani Jail Singh, Indira Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi and Kamal Nath worked out a political plan to prop up a Sikh extremist who would create rift between Akali Dal & Janata Dal and this would eventually give electoral benefit to Congress,” he said.

GBS Sidhu goes on to state that a new wing was created in RAW in 1980 to investigate matters related to Pak’s ISI & Sikh extremism, while at the other end, Jail Singh & Sanjay Gandhi planned to make ‘Khalistani separatism’ a national issue.

For the unversed, GBS Sidhu served the RAW for 26 years and retired as special secretary in 1998. The retired officer has also penned a book named ‘Khalistan Conspiracy’, describing how the Congress leaders ‘played with fire’ and went to created & nurture a monster that later costed Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s life.

“Operation Bhindranwale-Khalistan was initiated and managed by some senior and influential Congress leaders operating from the prime minister’s residential office at 1 Akbar Road, GBS Sidhu says in his book, slated for release soon.