In 1983, terrorists led by Damdami Taksal Jathedar Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale had occupied Akal Takht of Golden Temple and amassed weapons in the Sikh temple. The terrorists were demanding more powers to the state from Central government and autonomy by changes in the Indian constitution. Or else they demanded creation of a Sikh state, to be called Khalistan. In the violent events since the inception of Akali Dharm Yudh Morcha, the militants had killed 165 Hindus and Nirankaris, and even 39 Sikhs opposed to Bhindranwale. The total number of deaths was 410 in violent incidents and riots while 1,180 people were injured. The Central government rejected the secessionist demands and on 3–6 June 1984, Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi ordered Operation Blue Star, to remove the militants from the Golden Temple. Sikhs protested against the operation worldwide. On 31 October 1984, Indira Gandhi was assassinated by two of her Sikh bodyguards. In retaliation, the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, guided by certain Indian National Congress members, killed thousands of Sikhs in India.