Amritsar, Punjab, India -- The sanctity and serenity of Golden Temple was interrupted when a violent encounter occurred during the 30th anniversary celebration of the controversial Operation Blue Star. Two factions of Sikhs clashed with swords and sticks turning the holy shrine into a battlefield.

Golden Temple officials announced that at least 12 people were injured in the violence. Jatinder Singh Aulakh, police commissioner of Amritsar, mentioned that 19 people had been detained.

Disclaimer: The footage below shows the bloody encounter of the two opposing groups. Some scenes are not suitable for very young audiences.

Operation Blue Star was the Indian military's operation back in 1984. It aimed to flush out militants holed up inside the Golden Temple. According to some records, the assault killed around 400 people.