The bombings Terrorism came Arriving only two days before the important festival of Diwali , which is celebrated by Hindus , Sikhs , and Jains .

The British Indian contingent comprised Cause_to_be_included 21 Jat Sikh soldiers of the 36th Sikhs ( now the 4th battalion of the Sikh Regiment ) , who were stationed Placing at an army post and were attacked Attack by 1,000 to 1,500 Afghans rebels .

The Sikhs , led by Havildar Ishar Singh , chose Choosing to fight Hostile_encounter to the death Death , in what is considered by some military historians as one of history 's greatest last stands Self_motion .

The 1984 anti-Sikh riots Violence , was a series of organised communal riots Violence against Sikhs in India in response Response to the assassination Killing of Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards .

Independent sources estimate Statement the number of deaths Death at about 8,000–17,000 whilst government estimates project that about 2,800 Sikhs were killed Killing in Delhi and 3,350 nationwide .

In the violent Violence events leading Causation up to the Operation Blue Star since the inception of Akali Dharm Yudh Morcha , the militants had killed Killing 165 Hindus and Nirankaris , even 39 Sikhs opposed Agree_or_refuse_to_act to Bhindranwale were killed Killing .

The military action in the temple complex was criticized Judgment_communication by Sikhs worldwide who had interpreted it as an assault Attack on Sikh religion .

Public outcry over Gandhi 's death Death led to Causation the killings Killing of Sikhs in the ensuing riots Violence .

The collusion Collaboration of political officials in the violence Violence and judicial failure to penalise Rewards_and_punishments the perpetrators alienated Sikhs and increased Cause_change_of_position_on_a_scale support Supporting for the Khalistan movement. < ref name= '' Watch/Asia ( US ) 1994 '' > < /ref > The Akal Takht , Sikhism 's governing body , considers the killings Killing genocide Killing .

According to the 2011 WikiLeaks cable leaks Catastrophe , the United States was convinced Convincing of Indian National Congress ' complicity in the riots Violence and called Labeling it `` opportunism '' and `` hatred '' by the Congress government , of Sikhs .