Operation Blue Star dented Army image: Ex-governor

CHANDIGARH: Over twenty five years after the Army's Operation Blue Star at the Golden Temple, former Punjab Governor Lt Gen (retired) BKN Chibber said flushing out extremists had dented the Army's image and alienated it from the Punjabis, especially the rural folk. Lt Gen Chibber commanded the Army corps at the time.

"During the 1971 Indo-Pak war, I found people from Punjab offering food to soldiers crossing the state to take part in the war. But after Blue Star, I could feel hatred for the Army among the people. Orders were issued asking Armymen not to visit villages alone," said Chibber.