The Khalistan Movement: An Unresolved Issue in India’s History
The Khalistan Movement has been a critical topic in the socio-political fabric of India. The movement, which calls for a separate Sikh state in the present-day region of Punjab, has deep historical roots and continues to generate support among certain sections of the Sikh community worldwide.
The Origins of the Khalistan Movement
The roots of the Khalistan Movement trace back to the time of India’s Independence and the subsequent Partition of Punjab between India and Pakistan. Being home to pivotal Sikh sites including Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Sikhism’s founder Guru Nanak, partition caused significant communal unrest and displacement.
The division of Punjab saw Lahore, the capital of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Sikh Empire, annexed by Pakistan. This led to widespread violence and the creation of millions of refugees, sowing the seeds for the demand for a separate Sikh state.
The Demand for Autonomous Punjabi Suba
Around the time of Independence, the demand for a Punjabi-speaking state, or Punjabi Suba, began to emerge. In 1966, following years of protests and political manoeuvring, Punjab was reorganised into the Hindi-speaking states of Himachal Pradesh and Haryana, and the Punjabi-speaking state of Punjab.
The Anandpur Sahib Resolution
In 1973, Akali Dal, a major Sikh party in Punjab, released the Anandpur Sahib Resolution. The resolution sought greater autonomy for Punjab, identification of regions for a separate state, and the right to frame its own internal constitution. Although the Akali Dal clarified that they were not seeking secession from India, the resolution invoked grave concern for the Indian state.
The Ascendancy of Bhindranwale
Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a charismatic preacher, gained prominence as he positioned himself as an authentic Sikh voice. Though initially supported by Sanjay Gandhi to counter the Akalis, Bhindranwale’s influence soon became a cause of concern for the government.
The Dharam Yudh Morcha and Operation Blue Star
In 1982, Bhindranwale and the Akali Dal’s leadership initiated the Dharam Yudh Morcha, a civil disobedience movement. The campaign was aimed at addressing the concerns of Punjab’s rural Sikh population as outlined in the Anandpur Sahib Resolution.
Operation Blue Star was launched in June 1984 to counter Bhindranwale and his armed supporters residing in the Golden Temple. The operation resulted in Bhindranwale’s death and the clearing up of militants from the temple but also deeply wounded the Sikh community worldwide and intensified the demand for Khalistan.
Aftermath of Operation Blue Star
The assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her two Sikh bodyguards triggered the worst communal violence since Partition, leading to the massacre of over 8,000 Sikhs. A year later, Sikh nationalists based in Canada blew up an Air India flight, killing 329 people, in retaliation for Bhindranwale’s killing. This led to prolonged insurgency in Punjab lasting until 1995.
The Status of the Khalistan Movement Today
While Punjab has been peaceful for some time, the sentiment for Khalistan continues to exist among certain overseas Sikh communities. This is particularly true among those who experienced the tumultuous events of the 1980s. Despite being viewed by many as a martyr and being remembered for the dark times, support for Bhindranwale has not translated into tangible political support for the Khalistan cause. The minority that clings to the past uses their influence with various political parties to keep the issue alive.