Khalistani Issue and Movement as the Controversial Rise of Terrorists

Introduction: Khalistani Terror Module Busted (News)

The Punjab police on Sunday 22/09/2019 said it had busted a terrorist module of the revived Khalistan Zindabad Force(KZF) that was conspiring to send a series of terrorist strikes in Punjab and neighbouring States. The module was supported by the Pakistan-based chief of the KZF, Ranjeet Singh, alias Neeta, and his Germany-based associate, Gurmeet Singh, alias Bagga. The module was planning to carry out multiple terrorist strikes in J&k, Punjab and other neighbouring states. Four persons were arrested and huge amount of arms, including five AK- 47 rifles, pistols, satellite phones and hand grenades ,seized. Given the international links and base of the conspiracy, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has decided to hand over the case to National Investigation agency to ensure the full truth of the case. Director General of police Dinkar Gupta said that the weapons were suspected to have been delivered recently across the border from Pakistan through drones. The terrorist were arrested from the outskirts of Chola Sahib village in Taran district, he said. Neeta and Bagga had reorganised their terror group. With the help of sleeper cells, they had spotted, radicalised and recruited local members, besides arranging funds and sophisticated weapons from across the border, ‘’ Mr. Gupta said. Those arrested have been identified as Balwant Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Harbhajan Singh.

Background in Brief

Khalistan movement have engraved some wrong thought in peoples mind. It’s not a religious issue it’s a political mess which got fuelled by Pakistan. Let’s get a cup of tea and look at background of Khalistan movement because this is going to be long discussion. Khalistan movement can be traced back to 1940’s, when Nehru promised Sikhs a semi-autonomous unit/state, so as to have a sense of freedom. During partition Hindu/Muslim was the major issue, but in reality it was Hindu/Muslim/Sikh issue. Issue became worse when Sikhs were assumed to join India/Pakistan on the basis of Hindu/Muslims religions. Kapur Singh in 1947, made the controversial statement and tried to start Khalistan movement. But the issue remained dormant till demand was made for Punjabi to be Official language in 1950’s. On 4th July, 1955, Indian Police invaded Harmandir Sahib(golden Temple)on 4th July, 1955, and fired tear gas to disperse Sikhs, followed by Lathi Charge (beating civilians with sticks) and further beating with rifles (not firing but using rifles as melee weapons).

Estimated 10,000+ Sikhs were arrested for peaceful demonstrations. This further laid foundations for the act, banning police officers carrying weapons into places of worship. Followed above, police did Indian Flag march and established themselves inside Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) for 4 days. Akali Dal at this time had few demands. The transfer of the federally administered city of Chandigarh to Punjab. The transfer of Punjabi-speaking and contiguous areas of Haryana to Punjab. Decentralization 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 was seeking peace, but as this was politically hurting Indira Gandhi's Congress party. As such Indira Gandhi started supporting Bhindranwale, in hopes of splitting votes and weakening Akali Dal. Bhindranwale's candidates were supported by congress in 1978 SGPC (Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, this is the committee that manages Gurudwaras) elections. This is where Khalistan movement is considered to have started. In 1979 Khalistan National Council was created by Jagjit Singh Chauhan. This was after he lost Punjab Assembly Elections in 1969. Jagjit Singh Chauhan was in contact with Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. This is where Jagjit Singh Chauhan issued Khalistan’s Passports/postage stamps/currency and finally declared himself as president of 'Republic of Khalistan'. Chauhan was residing in UK at this moment and was regularly visiting Pakistan.

In late 1970's/early 1980's, Bhindranwale became unchallenged leader, as his speeches were highly polarizing. In 1981, Lala Jagat Narain was assassinated, he was owner of “Hind Samachar” group of newspapers. Responsibility was taken by Sikh militants, He was a critic of Bhindranwale and a congress leader. Issue here was, a politician running newspapers and promoting acceptance of Hindi language, when rest of the community was advocating for Punjabi as official language. Bhindranwale was already a suspect for previous murder and was arrested, but released. At this time, Bhindranwale decided to make Golden temple as his official residence. Although Akali Dal accused Bhindranwale to be a congress agent and opposing him, joined hands with him as Bhindranwale became highly influential. This was done, in order to get 'Anandpur Resolution' accepted, which was considered secessionist document by Indira Gandhi. But for Akali Dal and Sikhs, it was the promise made by Nehru in 1940's and provided a solution for larger share of water for irrigation and return of Chandigarh to Punjab. In august 1982, Dharam Yudh Morcha (Group for the Battle for Righteousness) was conducted by Bhindranwale and Akali Dal.

Akali Dal officially stated, that Sikhs were Indians and Anandpur Resolution did not promote Sikh State of Khalistan. Government of India decided to repress the mass agitation caused by Dharam Yudh Morcha, with heavy hand, and police action was conducted resulting in deaths of 100+ people in various police firings. In order to please public, Sh.Giani Zail Singh was made President of India. Sikh militants were getting support from Pakistan, in terms of money/training and weapons. And Sikh militants were held up in Gurudwaras. Keeping 1955, Government of India decided not to take action on Gurudwaras, fearing public outrage. In 1983, 6 hindu passengers were taken off a bus and killed, this started the emergency rule in Punjab, which continued for more than a decade.. In 1984, Bhindranwale decided to bring ammunition into Golden Temple and provided shelter to militants.

Bhindranwale's supporters were against this but negotiations between Bhindranwale, his supports, Akali Dal and Government of India were unsuccessful. Finally Indira Gandhi ordered Indian Army to storm Golden Temple complex. This came to be known as Operation Blue Star. Kuldip Singh Brar (Yes a Sikh) led army units along with paramilitary forces and surrounded Golden Temple complex on 3rd June, 1984. Militants decided to start firing at Army without giving pilgrims the chance to leave temple premises. This resulted in 24 hour fire fight, at the end 136 Army personnel were killed.249 Army personnel injured.493 civilians were killed.86 civilians were injured. Who was at fault and Who shot who, is still open to debate. Unofficial figures go into thousands. On 31st October, 1984, Indira Gandhi was shot dead by 2 Sikh security guards (Satwant Singh and Beant Singh) as a retaliation for Operation Blue Star.

This resulted in one of the biggest riots in India and violence against Sikhs across India. Congress maintained that the violence was due to spontaneous riots, although evident is present of planned violence against Sikhs. Almost every party except Congress condemned Operation Blue Star and riots after. This eventually lead to 15 yr long insurgency in India. During this time, specifically after 1971, Pakistan got involved, Pakistan provided training, money and weapons for militants. Some Pakistani military personnel personally came to India and worked alongside militants. In the end it was public, the fundamentalism that won. Even today, except few, those who seek to gain money/political scoring, no one supports Khalistan movement.

Constitutional Issues Involved

Through this Khalistan movement many Constitutional issue were raised such as Akali Dal started protesting again in 1983, against Indian Constitution clause (2)(b) of Article 25, which referenced Sikhs/Jains/Buddhists as Hindus. Akali Dal demanded implementation of Sikh specific laws. They demanded that separate state should be given to them and their only Punjabi will only be residing. That in their in state this Indian constitution will not be followed and they were against Article 25 Clause 2(b)

Probable Future

In probable future if this stupid referendum even happens and more than that Separatists win it in 2020 The second day Khalistan will be plunged into darkness. This is not any philosophical quote but for real Khalistan will get plunged into darkness without electricity. The referendum 2020 is primarily the demand to make Punjab independent from Indian rule (that’s what they say) but these brainless fools do not even realize for one moment that from where will they get Electricity?

Because we all know that 6020 MW of power is produced from 5 thermal power plants all of which are COAL BASED which roughly accounts for 75–80% of Punjab’s electricity production and currently it is the duty of Government of India to fulfil the demand for coal, tell me will they be duty bound once Khalistan, a new nation is made?

It’s not a hidden fact that India’s villages are power stricken badly, so it’s anybody’s guess what will be India’s priority, no nation can force any nation to trade something forcefully, and if India will trade it’s coal to Punjab (60% of which is produced in India) it will be of course at insurmountable rates or may be they can simply refuse, whatever scenario happens it is for sure that 100% coal will have to be imported because it will take years may be decades to build new Power plants that aren’t dependent on Coal (like hydel) or to develop Alternative sources of energy but will they be able to fulfil the ever growing electricity need? Even that’s not a surety. So this will shoot up electricity rates to unimaginable heights which is more than enough reason to destabilize a nation.

Now Why This Will Happen

The Economy of Punjab (which this referendum suggests to be cut away from India) is dependent on two main things 1.)Agriculture & 2.)Industries and being a prosperous state almost all places of Punjab has access to power. With huge shortage of power industries will close down for sure and industrialists will run away and it will deeply impact agricultural production too because power is required at multiple steps for the agricultural process to take place. Hence, this one reason will become the decisive reason for new nation’s downfall because that’s Punjab’s bread and butter and for how long it can wait without electricity that too when sandwiched between two hostile neighbour’s hence unimaginable scenarios of social unrest will happen and then what? Run back to India or get taken over by Pakistan? Unfortunately not many choices will be left other than leaving everything to fate.

Conclusion

Pro-active solution to the pending issues of the dispute - The Khalistan movement derives strength from multilateral pressure groups, and is dependent on the ideological debate of victimhood. There is little support for the movement amongst the Sikhs living in India; same cannot be said about NRI Sikhs. The basic grievances of Sikhs must be addressed in times of peace, i.e. now.

1. 1984 genocide is now the main rallying point of disgruntled elements. India needs to bring the culprits of 1984 genocide to book. The long arm of the Indian law must catch hold of the leaders of that carnage.
2. The basic grievances of the Sikh community with regard to Anandpur Sahib resolutions and Rajiv-Longowal accord must be addressed, so that such issues may not assume mammoth proportions again. Issues like Chandigarh, SYL etcetera must be dealt timely in times of relative peace; and must be dealt sensitively without rousing passions.

Reconciliation

1. The only way out is ‘truth and reconciliation’ by both parties. To reconcile with the barbarity and move on in peace.
2. The truth must come out and lessons must be learnt. Beating the drums of war and illogical separatist demands will bring only pain and suffering for the Sikhs living across the Indian nation.

Sikhs are pragmatic people and follow the example of their gurus. Atrocities by a few must not be the reason for illogical enmity and hatred towards India and Indians as a whole, for all times to come. There must be a finishing date for such historical antipathies. Sikhs must follow the examples of Guru Gobind Singh, who displayed no enmity to the Mughal.