The Khalistan Issue

India has strongly condemned the recent security breach involving External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar in London. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) criticized Britain’s inaction in preventing threats and intimidation from Khalistani extremist forces. This incident has raised concerns over the UK’s response to extremist elements targeting Indian officials and diplomatic missions.

What is the Khalistan Movement?

• The Khalistan Movement is a separatist and identity movement advocating for an independent Sikh homeland in the Indian state of Punjab.
• The word Khalistan means "Land of the Khalsa" or "Pure".
• While the movement has minimal support within India, it remains active among sections of the Sikh diaspora, particularly in Canada, the UK, and Australia.

Historical Background

• Sikh Empire and Early Roots
  • Sikhism emerged in the 15th century, and the Sikh Empire, led by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, ruled Punjab in the early 19th century, with Lahore as its capital.
  • After British annexation in 1849, Sikhs were incorporated into colonial India, but some groups later demanded autonomy.
• The 1980s Insurgency in Punjab
  • The movement gained momentum in the 1980s, led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who demanded Khalistan and carried out violent separatist activities.
  • The Indian Army launched Operation Blue Star in 1984, targeting militants holed up in the Golden Temple (Amritsar).
  • This led to the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards, triggering nationwide anti-Sikh riots.
• 1985 India Bombing (The Violent Peak): Sikh separatists were responsible for the 1985 Air India bombing, the worst terror attack in Canadian history, killing 329 people. This attack was retaliation for Operation Blue Star.
  • The movement faded in India by the early 1990s after thousands of deaths in counter-insurgency operations.

Proposed Khalistan and Territorial Claims

• Some Khalistani groups claim entire Punjab, while others include parts of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and even Pakistani Punjab.
• However, the movement has little to no support among the general Sikh population in India today.

Why is the Movement Stronger Abroad?

• After 1984, many Sikh separatists fled to Western countries, where they gained political influence and continued advocacy for Khalistan.
• The farmer protests (2020-21) briefly revived Khalistan-related rhetoric but did not result in any major resurgence in India.
• Canada’s Role: Canada has the largest Sikh population outside India, making up over 2% of its total population. Some Sikh politicians in Canada openly sympathize with the movement, leading to diplomatic tensions with India.

Key Issues Fueling Sikh Resentment

• Partition of Punjab (1947): Punjab was split between India and Pakistan, leaving Sikhs divided and politically vulnerable.
• Reorganization of Punjab (1966): Punjab was further divided on linguistic lines, creating Haryana, leading to resentment among Sikhs.
• 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots & Operation Blue Star: The storming of the Golden Temple and widespread anti-Sikh violence in Delhi created deep mistrust between the community and the government.
• Economic & Water Disputes: Sikhs were dissatisfied with the distribution of Green Revolution benefits and the diversion of Punjab’s water to neighboring states.