In May 1984, the Indian state decided to dislodge Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his followers from the Golden Temple complex, which was described as a fortified base. The Army was tasked with Operation Blue Star, an assault on one of Sikhism's holiest sites in a dense urban setting. Commanders faced constraints including speed versus discrimination and firepower versus political cost. The operation involved an unpredictable mix of armed militants, staff, pilgrims, and bystanders. Early actions included probing fire to assess militant preparedness, signaling a shift towards coercive control.