Punjab
The Indian government took different ideals from the Soviets and both the United States. This led to changes and reforms from the government which were not always for the betterment of the people. The use of propaganda and power over the people meant that India was not functioning as a democracy. Added was the Soviets just helped India beat Pakistan so the Indian government is thankful and supportive of the Soviets, without their help they would have lost as the United States was supporting Pakistan.
India was in an interesting situation on the global scale as well as nationwide. Focusing in on Punjab we see how the affects of big world superpowers can affect a nation that was emerging out of occupation. With the Indian government having a newfound freedom they start abusing their powers and spreading propaganda and misinformation.
The 80s and 90s were a particularly difficult time for some people. The Indian government suspected that there were terrorists hiding out in a religious temple and resorted to very violent and bloody methods to eliminate them.
1984 was the main event, what happened here is what led to the widespread riots and conflict between the Sikh people and the Indian Government.
The Indian Government spread lots of propaganda about the Sikh people and wanted people to turn against them. The use of propaganda as well as cutting off connections to the public even through newspapers was used to keep people from the outside out.
Post temple invasion thousands of civilians were killed, there were curfews, propaganda, police brutality, beatings and very violent public executions. This sparked riots and return fighting which further escalated the events.
Interviews with both sides from Operation bluestar, a survivor as well as one of the generals who led the attack. We also get the chance to see how this raid has affected people and the impact it makes on who they are.
In one of his interviews, General Brar, said that many people were questioning what him and his soldiers what were doing, he said that "they were following orders"