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The 1955 attack on the Golden Temple was a significant and very unfortunate incident in Sikh history that occurred during the Punjabi Suba Movement. Here's a detailed overview of the incident: ## Background The Punjabi Suba Movement was a political campaign launched by the Shiromani Akali Dal shortly after India's independence. Its primary goal was to create a separate Punjabi-speaking state within India[5]. This movement was met with opposition from some quarters, leading to tensions between the Sikh community and the government. ## Reasons for the Attack The immediate trigger for the police action was the ban on slogans related to the Punjabi Suba Movement. On April 6, 1955, the Amritsar Deputy Commissioner banned slogans like "Punjabi Suba Amar Rahe" and "Maha-Punjab," fearing they could lead to law and order problems[5]. The Shiromani Akali Dal viewed this as an attack on freedom of speech and expression, leading to protests. ## The Attack On July 4, 1955, at around 4 AM, Deputy Inspector General of Police Ashwani Kumar led a police force into the Golden Temple complex[5]. This action was carried out under the instructions of then Chief Minister Bhim Sen Sachar[2]. The police: 1. Entered the shrine complex wearing shoes, which is considered disrespectful in Sikh tradition[1]. 2. Captured the community kitchen (langar) and stopped its operations[5]. 3. Raided the Guru Ramdas inn and arrested head priests[5]. 4. Used tear gas shells in the parikarma (circumambulation path) of the Golden Temple[5]. 5. Raided the offices of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Shiromani Akali Dal within the complex[5]. ## Casualties and Damage While the exact number of casualties is not clearly stated in the available sources, there were injuries reported. The police action resulted in the arrest of 237 people during the operation[5]. No specific information about deaths or damage to the building was mentioned in the search results. ## Responsibility The attack was carried out under the orders of the then Indian government. Key figures involved include: 1. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru[4] 2. Punjab Chief Minister Bhim Sen Sachar[2][4] 3. Deputy Inspector General of Police Ashwani Kumar, who led the police force[1][5] ## Aftermath The police action strengthened the Punjabi Suba Movement rather than suppressing it. In the week following the attack, around 8,000 volunteers were arrested, with the number rising to 12,000 as the agitation continued[5]. The ban on Punjabi Suba slogans was eventually lifted on July 12, 1955[5]. Chief Minister Bhim Sen Sachar later visited the Golden Temple to seek apology for the police action[5]. The SGPC has since decided to mark the anniversary of this event annually to create awareness among the younger generation about this incident in Sikh history[1]. This 1955 attack is considered by some as the first major confrontation between the Sikh community and the Indian government post-independence, setting a precedent for future tensions that would culminate in more severe conflicts in the following decades[1][2]. Sources [1] 1955 police action at Golden Temple to be marked annually, says ... https://t.co/Lcr1v62VxO [2] In a first, SGPC to observe anniversary of 1955 police entry in ... https://t.co/vvgugwbyvY [3] Golden Temple - Wikipedia https://t.co/sq39t6Td99 [4] A 1st: SGPC remembers 1955 Golden Temple police attack https://t.co/i3qUmuO78q [5] Explained: What led to the 1955 police action at the Golden Temple? https://t.co/SoGsQzrecg [6] [PDF] TABLE OF CONTENTS - Human Rights Watch https://t.co/ITXwIrmYek