The Harmandir Sahib complex and some of the surroundings houses were fortified. The Statesmen reported on 4 July that light machine guns and sophisticated self-loading rifles were known to have brought into the compound.
Indra Gandhi( Third prime minister of Republic of India) ordered the army to launch OPERATION BLUE STAR.
Fierce fighting ensued between Bhindrawale's supporters and the soldiers , In which many of Bhindranwale's supporters were killed along with many soldiers. An official account tallies the deaths of 83 soldiers and 492 civilians, However many Journalists abroad and in India considered the pilgrim death toll to be much higher.
The Harmandir Sahib complex also suffered much damage due to the fighting, especially the Holy Sri Akal Takhat Sahib.
Sonia Gandhi( the current prime minister of India and Indra Gandhi's Daughter in law) in 1998 officially apologized for the assault on the Holy Harmandir Sahib as a great mistake.
