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Khalistan movement EXPLAINED BY ATRISHEKHAR - Coggle Diagram
Khalistan movement EXPLAINED BY ATRISHEKHAR
RISE OF KHALISTAN ISSUE
It is a Sikh separatist movement seeking to create a homeland for Sikhs by establishing a sovereign state, called Khalistan (‘Land of the Khalsa’), in the Punjab region.
Its origins have been traced back to India’s independence and subsequent Partition along religious lines.
The Punjab province, which was divided between India and Pakistan, witnessed communal violence and generated millions of refugees.
The historic Sikh Empire’s capital, Lahore, as well as sacred Sikh sites like Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak, went to Pakistan.
While most Sikhs found themselves in India, they were a small minority (2% of the population) in the country.
The political struggle for greater autonomy began with the Punjabi Suba Movement for the creation of a Punjabi-speaking state.
The States Reorganisation Commission report (1955) rejected this demand, but the state of Punjab was reorganised (trifurcated into the Hindi-Hindu-majority HP and Haryana, and Punjabi-Sikh-majority Punjab) in 1966.
The Punjabi Suba movement had galvanised the Akali Dal, which concluded the Anandpur Sahib Resolution (1973) demanding autonomy (not secession from India) for the state of Punjab.
The transfer of the federally administered city of Chandigarh to Punjab.
The transfer of Punjabi-speaking and contiguous areas of Haryana to Punjab.
Decentralisation of states under the existing constitution, limiting the central Government’s role.
The call for land reforms and industrialization of Punjab, along with safeguarding the rights of the weaker sections of the population.
The enactment of an all-India Gurdwara (Sikh house of worship) act.
Protection for minorities residing outside Punjab, but within India.
Revision of government’s recruitment quota restricting the number of Sikhs in armed forces. (Akali Dal never wanted a ‘Separate Country’ but more autonomy)
This demand had gone global by 1971 – when an advertisement in The New York Times proclaimed the birth of Khalistan.
By the 1980s, the appeal of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale had started creating trouble for the government.
He and his followers (mostly from the lower rungs of the social ladder) were getting increasingly violent.
In 1982, with support from the Akali Dal’s leadership, he launched a civil disobedience movement called the Dharam Yudh Morcha and took up residence inside the Golden Temple, directing demonstrations and clashes with the police.
In 1982, Bhindranwale, with support from the Akali Dal’s leadership, launched a civil disobedience movement called the Dharam Yudh Morcha. He took up residence inside the Golden Temple, directing demonstrations and clashes with the police.
The movement was geared towards the demands first articulated in the Anandpur Sahib Resolution, which addressed concerns of the state’s rural Sikh population. However, amidst growing religious polarization, sectarian violence, and Bhindranwale’s own harsh rhetoric against Hindus, Indira Gandhi’s government declared the movement tantamount to secession.
The resolution passed in 1973 was largely forgotten until raised by Bhindrawale and Alkali Dal again in 1982. Indira Gandhi considered the Anandpur Resolution as a secessionist document.
In 1975 Indira Gandhi started emergency which continued till 1977. In the election 1977, congress lost power both in the centre as well as in Punjab.
Then Congress felt they need some Charismatic figure that could take away the votes of the Sikhs away from akali dal and bring all those votes towards congress.
Gyani Jail Singh (ex Chief Minister of Punjab) gave idea to Sanjay Gandhi, son of Indira Gandhi that they should bring Bhindrawale who is very charismatic figure and upcoming personality.
Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale often known As Saint Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale was a religious scholar who became the head of the Damdami Taksal in 1977.
Operation Blue Star
PM Indira Gandhi was assassinated (on October 31, 1984), triggering the worst communal violence since Partition.
Punjab became the hub of a long drawn-out insurgency (allegedly supported by Pakistan) that lasted till 1995.
The movement continues to evoke sympathy and support among sections of the Sikh population, especially in the Sikh diaspora.
Today, the movement is fuelled by vote bank politics, social issues (unemployment, drug menace in Punjab), dissatisfaction among the Sikh diaspora and support from non-state actors.
The Khalistan movement was crushed in India following Operation Blue Star (by the Indian Army to flush out militants from the Golden Temple and neutralise Bhindranwale in 1984) and Operation Black Thunder (1986 and 1988).
While the operations were ostensibly successful in their aims, they gravely wounded (by the desecration of the Golden Temple) the Sikh community around the world and also galvanised the demand for Khalistan.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Before Independence:
The
Singh Sabha Movement was founded at Amritsar in 1873
with a two-fold objective, to
make available modern western education to the Sikhs
, and to
counter the proselytizing activities
of Christian missionaries as well as the Brahmo Samajists, Arya Samajists, and Muslim maulvis.
For the first objective, a network of
Khalsa schools was established
by the Sabha throughout Punjab.
The
Akali movement (also known as Gurudwara Reform Movement) was an offshoot of the Singh Sabha Movement.
It aimed at liberating the Sikh gurudwaras from the control of
corrupt Udasi mahants.
Prior to 1920, the Sikh Gurudwaras were governed by Udasi Sikh mahants, who treated Gurudwara offerings and other income as their personal income.
The British government backed these mahants to counter the rising tide of nationalism among Sikhs.
The situation deteriorated to the point where the priest of the golden temple issued a
hukamnama (injunction) against Ghadarites, declaring them renegades, and then bestowed a saropa on General Dyer
, the butcher of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
The
Gurdwara Reform Movement
launched an a
gitation to free the Gurudwaras from these corrupt mahants
and hand them over to a representative body of Sikhs.
In November
1920,
under increasing pressure from nationalists and Gurudwara agitators, the
Gurudwaras were placed under the control of an elected committee known as the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee.
The movement for Gurudwara liberation quickly evolved into the Alkali movement, which later split into three streams: moderate nationalist reformers, pro-government loyalists, and a political organ of Sikh communalism.
The above two movements have risen Sikh nationalism and through Khalsa schools propagating Sikh nationalism became easy and events afters independence have strengthened the claim of Khalistan.
Master Tara singh
was not happy with 1929 purna swaraj and also wanted Sikhistan when demand of Pakistan rise , but later on was satiated
After Independence:
1947 Partition of India –Independence of India was not a joyful event for Sikhs,
partition left Sikhs in a lot of discontentment with regard to their traditional lands being lost to Pakistan and also a mass exodus of immigrants from Pakistan.
Punjabi Suba movement
–
initiated in 1955
under Akali Dal a Sikh dominated political party.
It
sought re-organization of Punjab along linguist lines
, seeking division of the state into Punjabi and non-Punjabi speaking areas. After a series of violent protests movement resulted in the trifurcation of Punjab into Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh.
Anandpur Sahib Resolution( 1973s)
reignited the passion of Sikhs and sowed the seeds of the Khalistan movement.
The resolution d
emanded autonomy for the state of Punjab, identified regions that would be part of a separate state,
and sought the right to frame its own internal constitution.
present
INTERNAL REASONS
BANDI SINGH ISSUE
‘Bandi Singhs’ is a term given to Sikh prisoners who were convicted for involvement in militancy in Punjab and are still in jails in various parts of the country.
ince the militancy was wiped out in early 1990s, Sikh activists argue that the prisoners have already spent over three decades in jails, some are physically and mentally unfit, and hence, should be released.
THE RELIGIOUS VACCUM
DRUG MENANCE
Khalistan movement is interlinked with Punjab's growing drug problem, gun & Pop culture
Pro-Khalistan leaders resorted to illegal activities such as arms and drug supply to fund their movement overseas, the brunt of which is being faced by Punjab
The state has seen an increased amount of arms being procured illegally through Pakistan over the last few years, according to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The drug and substance abuse situation in Punjab has also worsened gradually, with the number of substance abuse-related deaths seeing a 130 percent spike in the year 2023, according to data provided by the Punjab Police to the High Court.
The prime reason for this is several pro-Khalistan outfits running drug de-addiction centres in the state as a front for their illegal activities and the increase of drug supply through bordering countries
Punjab has now become the number three state for having the most drug-related FIRs, after Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Health, there is a prevalence of substance abuse in the youth of Punjab of up to 65 percent, majority of whom are susceptible to fall prey to alcohol and heroine abuse due to the high supply.
The gradual increase in drug culture has given rise to an increase gun violence rate in Punjab and vice versa, birthing an unending cycle of disturbance in the state due to the Khalistan movement.
Pop culture, especially rap music, has played a significant part in the spread of Khalistani propaganda.
Canadian journalist Renu Bakshi explains how “Punjabi boys grow up in a testosterone-fueled environment run by an iron-fisted patriarch.” The leap from patriarchy to violence appears to be a short one.
scale of the drug problem in Punjab
From April 2022 to February 2023, Punjab Police filed 11,156 drug-related FIRs, with 25% pertaining to pharmaceutical drugs (such as nasheeli goliyan)
The number of individuals grappling with addiction at 10 lakhs
Women are notably involved in 10% of these drug cases, highlighting gender-specific impacts.
The state has seen a persistent rise in drug activities since 2019, except for a brief dip during 2020 due to COVID-19.
Despite efforts, 266 deaths were reported due to overdoses from 2020 to 2023,
reasons for the drug problem in Punjab
Geographical Vulnerability: Punjab’s position as part of the Golden Crescent (Iran-Afghanistan-Pakistan) facilitates its role in the heroin and cocaine trade, leading to widespread substance abuse.
Poverty and Socioeconomic Issues: The involvement of women in drug cases, many from denotified tribes or rural backgrounds, illustrates how poverty pushes individuals into the narcotics trade.
Systemic Loopholes: Major drug dealers continue to evade arrest shows the challenge in dismantling organized networks.
Availability: The transition from heroin (Chitta) to pharmaceutical opioids (nasheeli goliyan) reflects changing drug preferences and availability.
BORDER ISSUES
DEVELOPMENTAL ISSUES
BARGARI INCIDENT
The 2015 Guru Granth Sahib desecration (also known as the 2015 Sri Guru Granth Sahib sacrilege) refers to a series of desecration incidents of the Sikh Guru Guru Granth Sahib and subsequent protests that took place in Punjab, India in October 2015
On the early morning hours of 14 October, two Sikhs were peacefully protesting and were shot dead by the police as the protesters were sitting in demonstration
External reasons
Khalistan movement- OUTSIDE angle
US-based Sikhs for Justice (SFJ)
is a pro-Khalistan group that is also involved in terrorist activities to support secessionist activities.
In Canada– Immediately after Operation Blue Star, authorities were unprepared for how quickly extremism spread and gained support in Canada, with extremists involved in killing thousands of Hindus and also include blowing up Air India flights.
Canada has become a safe ground to Khalistani's where they can operate events in India.
Establishment of Khalistan Office:
Surjan Singh Gill established the ‘Khalistan government in exile’ office in Vancouver in 1982
, issuing Khalistani passports and currency.
Militancy’s Impact: The militancy in Punjab in the early 1980s had repercussions in Canada, leading to the emergence of organizations like the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), the
Babbar Khalsa, and the World Sikh Organisation.
Air India Kanishka Bombing:
The Babbar Khalsa orchestrated the bombing of Air India Kanishka in 1985, resulting in 331 civilian deaths.
Pakistan- with a long aspired to dismember India through its
Bleed India strategy,
Pakistan has actively supported the Khalistan movement and turn the Sikhs against India.
An Indian Army veteran has claimed that Khalistanis, the secessionists demanding a separate homeland in the sovereign territory of India, are getting support from Pakistani Muslims in Britain and Canada
The home ministry had said 9 individuals were operating from Pakistan and other foreign soil and were involved in various acts of terrorism and designated as terrorists under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Pakistan is also involved with funding the organizations
and involving them in drug smuggling and money laundering to strengthen secessionist movements.
A former Pakistan army general, Mirza Aslam Beg, has also been openly pushing the government to assist the movement.
Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and Referendum 2020 are supported by Pakistan.
Intelligence officials said the websites of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) share their domain with and source content from a Karachi-based website.
The issue of Sikh radicalism has been worrying India, especially in view of the presence of Khalistan sympathizers in the Pakistani side who play a role in the management of holy Sikh places in Pakistan.
India had earlier protested after such individuals featured in Pakistan’s team for the Kartarpur corridor project.
“C
ooperation between Khalistani and Kashmiri groups has become increasin
gly apparent in North America, the United Kingdom, and Europe,
A Hudson Institute report says that such diaspora-based efforts are worrisome because Pakistan’s intelligence agency may be assisting pro-Khalistan groups financially and organizationally
A Gateway House report last year pointed out how US-based Sikhs for Justice
(SFJ) leveraged Pakistani intelligence agency ISI’s propaganda machinery on X.
Besides the Pak factor, an ORF report points out that Khalistanis have robust control over some gurudwaras in Canada.
As gurudwaras are a fulcrum for the community, be it marriages, religious rituals, social functions, or spiritual pursuits, this gives them a powerful say in all community-related matters as well as funding for the cause through donations.
International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), established in 1984
seeks to establish a separate country for the Sikhs of India called Khalistan but operates in the countries like the UK, Canada.
It was also responsible to polarize people and pursue violent means Ex: Jaspal Atwalwas involved in shooting the Punjab Minister as part of the Khalistan movement in 2018.
Jagjit Singh Chauhan used Diaspora for donations in 1970’s,
they also declared a separate country of Khalistan in 1971 in New York Times. New currency was released in 1980’s
MEASURES
Trained Armed Forces
Police must be effectively trained to deal with this new phenomenon of urban terror.
Every state should have an NSG-type of commando force to counter lethal terror strikes.
Rehearsals should be periodically undertaken for search-and-rescue operations after large-scale terrorist strikes and different contingencies should be simulated and practised.
Good governance and socioeconomic development: Focussing on development work and its actual implementation on the ground for which a clean, corruption-free and accountable administration is imperative to weed out such movements.
An increase in intelligence sharing and coordination between agencies such as NIA, IB and state police, etc. is a must to prevent such incidents.
International Cooperation: India must actively collaborate with countries like Canada and UK to have a coordinated attack on the Khalistan movement.
A multi-pronged strategy focusing on rational and logical counter-propaganda should be adopted with the help of civil society, NGOs, etc. We need to have very strong online surveillance capabilities. Social media monitoring capabilities to counter such kind of radicalization of youth by Khalistan supporters.
Deterrence to be built by a strong legislature. This may require special laws and effective enforcement mechanisms, but with sufficient safeguards to prevent its misuse.
Recent Anti-India Activities
Operation Bluestar Anniversary Parade (June 2023):
In Brampton, Ontario, a parade seemed to celebrate the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, displaying a blood-stained figure and advocating revenge for the attack on Darbar Sahib.
Pro-Khalistan Referendum (2022):
Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a pro-Khalistan organization, conducted a so-called "referendum" on Khalistan in Brampton, claiming significant support.
Sanjh Savera Magazine (2002):
In 2002, the Toronto-based Punjabi-language weekly Sanjh Savera greeted Indira Gandhi's death anniversary with a cover illustration celebrating her murder, glorifying those responsible.
The magazine received government advertisements and is now a prominent daily newspaper in Canada.
Tensions Over Khalistan:
Tensions related to Khalistan extremism have been ongoing for years, with Trudeau’s appointment of Sikh ministers in 2015 sparking controversy and accusations of his proximity to Khalistan sympathizers.
Incidents Fueling Tensions:
Various incidents, such as the refusal of meetings by Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh and Trudeau’s cool reception during his India visit, have exacerbated the India-Canada rift.
Report on Sikh Extremism:
Canada released a report in 2018 mentioning ‘Sikh extremism’ and Khalistan as threats, but later revised the report, removing these references, which caused further strain.
Alliance with NDP:
In March 2022, Trudeau’s Liberal Party formed an alliance with the New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Jagmeet Singh, who openly endorsed the Khalistan Referendum on Canadian soil.
G20 Summit Concerns:
During the recent G20 summit in New Delhi, PM Modi expressed strong concerns about continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada.
Relations between India and Canada have reached a new low, with allegations of Canadian leniency towards Khalistani supporters and accusations of India’s involvement in a recent killing.
The rift in diplomatic ties between India and Canada has led to a temporary suspension of visa services for Canadians and the expulsion of diplomats from both countries.
US FINANCIAL TIMES REPORT -US authorities thwarted plans to kill Khalistan supporter in US and issued warning to India over concerns of involvement of New Delhi government(NOV 23)
INDIA RESPONED AND said the inputs were related to a “nexus between organized criminals, gun runners, terrorists and others” which is a concern for both the countries.
“India takes such inputs seriously since it impinges on our own national security interests as well,”
Khalistan terrorist Gurpatwant Pannun endorses Rahul Gandhi's 'threat to Sikhs in India' remark
Diplomatic Engagement
Counter-Terrorism Cooperation
Community Outreach
Addressing Root Causes: Exploring the root causes of extremism and radicalization within the Sikh community and working together to address them can be a proactive step toward preventing future tensions.
Operation Black Thunder
After operation Blue star, the Khalistan Movement was still there. Other leaders although
were not as charismatic as Bhrindawale, picked up his position and their militants again took control of golden temple
In order to remove them from there, another operation had to be
started called ‘operation Black thunder’.
Militants were flushed out of Harmandar Sahib.
Again, they took control of Harmandar Sahib after few months.
Therefore in 1988, Black
Thunder 2 started. Both operations were succes
This time strategy was changed, the
leadership was given to the national guards and as well as the Punjab police
. IPS officer KPS
Gill, a senior IPS officer was given command of this operation and national security guard was called in
During these operations there was full media presence allowed and no
communication Blockade and no damage was done to the sacred buildings.
Operation Woodrose
After Operation Blue Star, militancy continued in Punjab with President’s rule till 1992. There
was President’s rule for almost 10 years (1983-1992) except a short period of time (1985-1987)
Election was held in 1985. Akali Dal came into the power but due to the militancy, this
government was removed, and the President’s rule was imposed.
During this time, it is believed that ISI Pakistan government started helping the Khalistani militants
ISI trained many terrorists of BABBAR KHALSA and other organizations, these were the organizations that were formed in the 1980’s.
Operation Woodrose was started by the army in 1984 which continued till 1992. The
insurgency subsided due to crackdown by army and police.
There was heavy crackdown and
due to this crackdown, many accusation of human right abuse on the military and the police.
10,000 youth of Punjab died or went missing during this period. Some organization say that
this number run to 10,000 to one lakhs.
In 1992, there was peace, elections were held, and congress again came to power. The chief
Minister was Beant Singh, but he was assassinated in 1995 in the sacred yard itself by bombing.