(Rediff on the net). The Golden Temple events unleashed a rage among many of the Sikhs, who felt that the Indian government had used undue force, and had debased their most sacred Shrine, thus showing a complete disregard for Sikh culture and religion. Showing no deference towards the Sikh, was Indira’s biggest mistake during her entire political career. Many argue that Indira had always emphasized equality, affection towards the poor, respect for every religion, yet she contradicted every tenet she held, when she decided to raid the Golden Temple. They say that Indira could have handled the situation without using military force, which may or may not be true.Throughout the summer of 1984 Gandhi continued to clamp down on Sikh militants (Rediff on the net). The struggle between Gandhi and the Sikh militants finally culminated in her assassination by two members of her own bodyguard, both of whom were Sikhs. The two assassins were apprehended, and were subsequently convicted, along with a third accomplice, of the murder of the Prime Minister. The three men received the death sentence.Nonetheless, another ethnic conflict brought a great leader to a very sad end. The death of Prime Minister Gandhi was followed by widespread rioting and violence. Her son, Rajiv Gandhi, who took over after the death of his mother, found the task of bringing calm to this deeply rocked country to be extremely difficult. In brief, racial conflicts have existed in India since it was founded and they will exist until the end of time. No leader will ever be able to resolve such conflicts and restore complete calm, since hatred is way of life that every human being has chosen for itself, and it’s a emotion that brings color to one’s life. Leaders like Indira Gandhi will come and go, making improvements and a few mistakes and will be victimized for ethnic conflicts that have existed since the beginning of time....
