On 20 August, 1985, Sant Harchand Singh Longowal had just finished speaking and was receiving Saropas at a conference at Gurdwara Akal Prakash at Sherpur in Sangrur, when bullets were fired upon him. Immediately, he was taken to the nearest civil hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Lieutenant General Krishnaswami Gowri Shankar, Maha Vir Chakra, who was the security advisor to Arjun Singh, the then Governor of Punjab, rushed to the site and ordered an inquiry. The killing raised a political storm in the state as well as at the centre, and subsequently resulted in the death of Rajiv Gandhi- Longowal accord which had generated hopes of returning of democratic politics in Punjab. It ushered a new dark phase in the history of Punjab in which Lieutenant General Gowri Shankar, in his short stint, was able to bring some positive changes.

Post Op Bluestar, the government was dealing with a renewed militancy, which threatened to further undermine the precarious security situation in Punjab. It was also one of the challenging phases in the life of Lieutenant General Gowri Shankar, a 1971 war hero who was donning two hats. He held dual responsibility as Corps Commander, XI Corps, and Security Advisor to the Governor of Punjab.  Immediately, after the Op Bluestar, he replaced General RS Dayal, another Maha Vir Chakra Awardee and a fellow cadet from the third course IMA, who was in charge of the Army operations in Punjab and returned as Chief of Staff, Western Command. Under his watch the Army was ordered to pull back and act more in assistance to the para-military forces and the Punjab Police. As journalist and author Satish Jacob mentions in his book that except a few isolated incidents, there were no widespread repression, no organised brutality by the Indian Army in the villages of Punjab, as rumoured after the operation.

In June 1985, Lieutenant General Gowri Shankar was appointed as a full-time security advisor. He was a key figure in Punjab in the post-Op Bluestar phase, working very closely with the then Governors of Punjab. It was under his watch that the Punjab was able to conduct relatively safe and free legislative assembly election in 1985.

It was weeks later, he went to his hometown Chennai on 06 October 1985 on leave preparatory to retirement, and never returned. During his stay in Chennai he breathed his last.

Illustrious Military Career

Lieutenant General Gowri Shankar was among the very few Signals officers who went into the General Cadre and held very significant roles in the Indian Army. He held several regimental and instructional appointments in the Corps of Signals. Born in 1927 at Chingleput, Tamil Nadu, he completed his education at St. Joseph’s High School and Madras Christian College, Chennai, and graduated from Pachaiyappa’s College, Chennai. He was commissioned in the Corps of Signals on 12 September 1948 as part of the third course of the Indian Military Academy.

In 1960, he attended the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and on graduation was posted as Brigade Major, a coveted post to the 191 Infantry Brigade. In 1964, as 2IC, he raised 9 Infantry Division Signal Regiment (Pine Tree) and subsequently commanded the regiment. During the 1965

Indo-Pak war, as 2IC of the regiment, he was responsible for securing communications for the entire eastern sector. In the year 1971, he was promoted as Brigadier and assumed charge of the 86 Infantry Brigade (now known as the DBN Brigade).

He was known for his leadership, operational art, and originality of planning, which he displayed during the battle of Dera Baba Nanak on 05 December 1971 during the Indo-Pak War and inflicted a humiliating defeat to the Pakistani forces. Dera Baba Nanak, situated approximately 40 kilometres north of Amritsar, held strategic significance due to Indian and Pakistani enclaves located North and south of the River Ravi. He was commanding 86 infantry brigade, which was responsible for the defence of Dera Baba Nanak. Pakistan launched a pre-emptive strike on 03 December, and India decided to launch Operation Akal to eliminate the Pak enclave there. 86 Infantry Brigade under Lieutenant General Gowri Shankar (then Brigadier), planned to attack the enemy from the rear with infantry and armour.

Among many factors contributing to Indian success was the sheer tactical surprise India was able to impose on the Pakistani forces. The Pakistanis never expected Indians to attack their enclave, as they themselves were planning to mount an offensive on India. The other factor was the brilliant planning by him to launch the attack from two fronts. It wasn’t an easy task; he had to make several changes in the initial plan as the situation evolved and as the Indian Army discovered several fortified positions with concrete defences. The plan has both the elements of flexibility and firmness against a well-entrenched and fortified enemy. Third and most significant was the sheer bravery displayed by the gallant Dogras and the Gorkhas, complimented by top-class support by the 71 Armoured Regiment.

During the battle of Dera Baba Nanak, India was able to end the war before dawn and crush the morale of the Pakistani forces. The Pakistani forces attempted to launch a counterattack on the night of 06/07 December, but the Indian troops foiled it with the help of concentrated artillery fire. Another attempt on the night of 07/08 December was also foiled. Brigadier Gowri Shankar was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his outstanding leadership during the battle of Dera Baba Nanak. It was the first time in the history of Indian Military Operations that the entire Brigade was awarded the Battle Honour.

In 1973, he attended the coveted National Defence College Course. Next year, he commanded 31 Infantry Brigade in Jamnagar. He was promoted to Major General in 1975 and took over command of the 39 Infantry Division. Two years later, he became the Chief of Staff, Northern Command. In 1978, he took over as Director of Military Intelligence and was one of the longest-serving Director Generals of Military Intelligence until 1983. He later rose to the rank of Lieutenant General and assumed charge as the General Officer Commanding of the prestigious XI Corps.

Much like his fellow Gentleman Cadets, Lieutenant General Gowri Shankar as part of the Third Regular Course in the Indian Military Academy did his alma mater proud. The name includes, Padma Shri awardee Maj KC Johrey, who saw, diplomatic assignments in Tibet and Afghanistan, and General  RS Dayal, who led the team to capture the strategic Haji Pir pass during the 1965 war.

He died on 10 October 1985 three weeks before his retirement. He was due to retire on 31 October 1985. At the time of his passing, he was the Col. Commandant of the Intelligence Corps. He was cremated with full military honours in Chennai.