In January 1980, Indira Gandhi and her faction of the Indian National Congress, known as "Congress(I)", returned to power with a substantial majority. However, her tenure was marked by significant challenges to India's internal security, particularly from insurgencies in Punjab and Assam.

In Punjab, the rise of an insurgency posed a serious threat. Militants pressing for Khalistan, a proposed Sikh sovereign state, became increasingly active. The situation escalated dramatically with Operation Blue Star in 1984. This military operation aimed to remove armed militants who had taken refuge in the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the holiest shrine of Sikhism. The operation resulted in the deaths of civilians and caused considerable damage to the temple, leading to widespread anger and resentment in the Sikh community across India. The aftermath of Operation Blue Star saw intensive police operations aimed at quelling militant activities, but these efforts were marred by numerous allegations of human rights abuses and violations of civil liberties.