TOPIC : KHALISTAN MOVEMENT AND HINTERLAND TERRORISM IN INDIA

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THE CONTEXT: A colossal police hunt for the Sikh separatist, Amritpal Singh who has revived calls for an independent homeland named ‘Khalistan’ in India’s Punjab state has stoked fears of violence and revived painful memories of a bloody insurgency that killed thousands.

EVOLUTION OF THE KHALISTAN MOVEMENT

• Khalsa is referred to as the community that practices Sikhism as a faith and a special group of initiated Sikhs. The Khalsa tradition was introduced in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Guru, after his father Guru Tegh Bahadur, was beheaded in the reign of Aurangzeb.
• The roots of the Khalistan movement can be traced back to the partition of India in 1947, which led to the formation of India and Pakistan. The Punjab region was divided between the two countries, with the majority of Sikhs living in the Indian part of Punjab. Many Sikhs felt that they had been betrayed by the Indian government, which had promised them autonomy but had failed to deliver. This feeling of betrayal led to a growing sense of alienation among Sikhs, which was exploited by some militant leaders.
• Jagjit Singh Chohan is the discredited founder of the Khalistan movement. In his early life, he was a dentist and was later first elected to the Punjab Assembly in 1967. He then became the finance minister.
  • Chohan moved to Britain in 1969 and began campaigning for Khalistan to be created. In 1971, he went to Nankana Sahib in Pakistan and initiated setting up a Sikh government.
  • Chohan was considered a Sikh leader by Yahaya Khan, the military dictator of Pakistan, and was handed over certain Sikh relics which he took with him to Britain. These relics helped him to gather support and followers. Thus, he visited the US at the invitation of his supporters in the Sikh diaspora.
• The Khalistan movement is a separatist movement that emerged in the 1970s, with the aim of creating an independent Sikh state, Khalistan, in the Punjab region of India. The movement gained momentum in the 1980s and early 1990s, during which time it became notorious for its violent tactics and terrorist attacks.
• The Khalistan movement was further led by Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a charismatic preacher who gained a large following among the Sikh community. Bhindranwale believed that the Sikhs were being discriminated against by the Indian government and that the only solution was to create a separate Sikh state. In 1984, Bhindranwale and his followers took over the Golden Temple in Amritsar, which is the holiest site in Sikhism. The Indian government launched a military operation (Operation Blue Star) to remove Bhindranwale and his followers from the Golden Temple, which resulted in the deaths of many innocent civilians and damaged the temple itself.
• The attack on the Golden Temple sparked outrage among Sikhs around the world, and the movement gained widespread support. Many Sikhs felt that the Indian government had shown its true colors by attacking the holiest site in Sikhism and that they needed to take drastic action to protect their community. This led to a wave of violence in the Punjab region, with terrorist attacks becoming increasingly common. The Indian government responded by launching a crackdown on the movement, which resulted in the deaths of many Sikh militants and innocent civilians.
• The Khalistan movement declined in the mid-1990s, due in part to the death of Bhindranwale and the capture of many other militant leaders. The movement also lost support among the Sikh community, as many Sikhs came to see it as a violent and extremist movement that did not represent their values. Today, the Khalistan movement remains a controversial issue in India, with some Sikhs continuing to advocate for an independent Sikh state while others believe that the movement is a relic of the past and that the focus should be on building a more inclusive and diverse India.

REASONS FOR RESURGENCE OF KHALISTAN MOVEMENT

There are several factors that have contributed to the revival of the Khalistan movement in Punjab:

• Political marginalization: Many Sikhs in Punjab feel that they are politically marginalized in the Indian political system. They feel that their voices are not being heard and that their needs are being ignored. This feeling of political isolation has contributed to the resurgence of the Khalistan movement.
  • Also, Punjab in recent years has witnessed a political crisis leading to a change in governments, ruling political parties and CM’s giving chance for radical outfits to grow.
• Economic grievances: Punjab has seen a decline in economic growth in recent years, which has led to widespread unemployment and poverty. Many Sikhs in Punjab feel that they are being left behind and that their economic needs are not being addressed. The Khalistan movement has tapped into this sense of economic disenfranchisement.
  • Punjab state has a high employment rate (According to data from the Centre’s Periodic Labour Force Survey 2019-20, Punjab’s unemployment rate is higher than the national average).
• Perception of injustice: Many Sikhs feel that they have been treated unjustly by the Indian government. This feeling of injustice is rooted in the Sikh community’s history of persecution, including the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, in which thousands of Sikhs were killed in retribution for the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Many Sikhs feel that justice has not been served in these cases, which has contributed to the revival of the Khalistan movement.
• Social and cultural issues: There is a growing sense among many Sikhs that their culture and traditions are being eroded in the modern Indian society. They feel that their unique identity is not being respected and that their religious rights are being violated. The Khalistan movement has become a way for Sikhs to assert their identity and protect their cultural heritage.
• International support: The Khalistan movement has received support from Sikhs living abroad, particularly in countries like Canada and the United Kingdom. These expatriate Sikhs have provided financial and political support to the movement, which has helped to increase its influence in Punjab.
  • Also, investigations by security agencies suggest links between Khalistani groups and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), further increasing the likelihood of feelings of separatism due to drug trafficking and networking through Sikh pilgrimages.

WHY IS THERE SUPPORT FOR KHALISTAN OUTSIDE OF INDIA?

The support for Khalistan outside of India is primarily driven by the Sikh diaspora, which includes millions of Sikhs who have emigrated from India to countries around the world. There are several reasons why the Sikh diaspora supports the Khalistan movement:

• Identity and cultural preservation: Many Sikhs living outside of India feel a strong attachment to their cultural and religious identity. They believe that the establishment of Khalistan would provide a way to protect and preserve their unique cultural heritage.
• Historical grievances: The Sikh community has a long history of persecution and marginalization in India. This includes the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, in which thousands of Sikhs were killed in retribution for the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Many Sikhs feel that justice has not been served in these cases and that the Indian government has not done enough to address their historical grievances.
• Political influence: The Sikh diaspora is a significant political force in many countries around the world. By supporting the Khalistan movement, Sikhs living abroad can influence government policy and draw attention to their cause on the global stage.
• Support for self-determination: Many Sikhs living outside of India support the idea of self-determination for the people of Punjab. They believe that the establishment of Khalistan would provide a way for Sikhs to govern themselves and to achieve greater autonomy within India.
• Economic interests: Some Sikhs living outside of India have financial interests in the Punjab region. They believe that the establishment of Khalistan would provide greater economic opportunities and help to develop the region.

KHALISTAN MOVEMENT: CAUSE OF CONCERN FOR INDIA

• Threat to National Security: The Khalistan movement seeks to establish a separate state in the Punjab region of India, which would involve the secession of a significant part of the country. This would threaten the territorial integrity and national security of India by kindling other separatist movements within India.
• Terrorism: The Khalistan movement has been associated with acts of terrorism and violence in the past. The movement has carried out several bombings, assassinations, and other violent acts in India. The Indian government views the Khalistan movement as a terrorist threat and has taken steps to counter its activities.
• Instability: The Khalistan movement has the potential to create instability and unrest in the Punjab region of India. The movement has the support of some sections of the Sikh community, and its activities could lead to protests, strikes, and other forms of civil unrest.
• Religious tensions: The Khalistan movement is rooted in the Sikh community’s identity and grievances. However, it could also lead to tensions between Sikhs and other religious communities in India, such as Hindus and Muslims.
• Economic Impact: The establishment of Khalistan could have a significant economic impact on India, as the Punjab region is an important agricultural and industrial hub. The movement could disrupt economic activities, deter investment, and hurt the livelihoods of millions of people.

STEPS TAKEN BY GOVERNMENT OF INDIA TO TACKLE THE KHALISTAN MOVEMENT

The Indian government has taken several steps to tackle the Khalistan movement, which seeks to establish a separate Sikh state in the Punjab region of India. The government views the movement as a threat to national security and has implemented a range of measures to counter its influence. Some of the key steps taken by the government include:

• Counter-terrorism measures: The Indian government has taken a tough stance against Khalistan militants, cracking down on terrorist activities and launching anti-insurgency operations to disrupt their networks. This has included targeted killings, raids on suspected militant hideouts, and the use of military force to quell violent protests.
• Legal action: The government has also used legal means to crack down on the Khalistan movement. Several Khalistan leaders and activists have been arrested and charged with sedition and terrorism-related offenses. The government has also banned several Khalistan organizations and declared them as terrorist organizations.
  • The Khalistan movement is outlawed in India and considered a grave national security threat by the government – a number of groups associated with the movement (like Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), Khalistan Commando Force (KCF), International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), All-India Sikh Student Federation (AISSF)) are listed as “terrorist organizations” under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
• Dialogue with moderate Sikh leaders: The government has engaged in a dialogue with moderate Sikh leaders to address their grievances and to find a peaceful solution to the issue. The government has also encouraged moderate Sikh leaders to speak out against the Khalistan movement and to promote the idea of a united India.
• Development initiatives: The government has launched several development initiatives in Punjab to address economic grievances and improve the living conditions of the people. These initiatives include infrastructure development, job creation, and social welfare programs.
• Diplomatic pressure: The Indian government has also put diplomatic pressure on foreign countries to prevent them from supporting the Khalistan movement. This has included lobbying foreign governments to ban Khalistan organizations and to extradite Khalistan militants who are living abroad.

OTHER MOVEMENTS FOR SEPARATE STATE IN INDIA

The Khalistan movement is not the only separatist movement in India. There have been several other movements seeking the creation of separate states based on ethnic, linguistic, or regional identities. Here are some of the major movements:

• Gorkhaland: The Gorkhaland movement seeks to create a separate state for the Gorkha ethnic community in the Darjeeling hills of West Bengal. The movement has been ongoing for several decades and has been marked by protests, strikes, and violence.
• Bodoland: The Bodoland movement seeks to create a separate state for the Bodo tribe in the Bodoland Territorial Area Districts of Assam. The movement has been ongoing for several decades and has been marked by violent clashes between Bodo militants and the Indian government.
• Greater Nagalim: The Nagaland movement seeks to create a separate state for the Naga people in the northeastern region of India. The movement has been ongoing for several decades and has been marked by armed conflict between Naga militants and the Indian government.
• Tamil Eelam: The Tamil Eelam movement seeks to create a separate state for the Tamil people in the northern and eastern regions of Sri Lanka. The movement has been marked by a prolonged civil war and international involvement.

VARIOUS INSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL MECHANISMS TO DEAL WITH HINTERLAND TERRORISM IN INDIA

KEY LEGAL MECHANISMS:

• The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA): The UAPA is the primary legislation that deals with terrorism-related offenses in India. The act provides for the detention of suspects without trial, the freezing of assets, and the seizure of property in terrorism-related cases. The act also contains provisions for the investigation and prosecution of terrorist acts.
• The Indian Penal Code (IPC): The IPC contains provisions that deal with various offenses related to terrorism, including waging war against the nation, sedition, and conspiracy to commit an offense.
• The Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2002 (POTA): POTA was enacted in response to the growing threat of terrorism in India. The act provided for special courts to try terrorism-related cases, allowed for the interception of communications, and contained provisions for the investigation and prosecution of terrorist acts. However, POTA was repealed in 2004 due to concerns about its misuse.
• The National Investigation Agency Act, 2008 (NIA Act): The NIA Act provides for the establishment of the National Investigation Agency, which is a specialized agency that investigates and prosecutes terrorism-related cases. The act provides the agency with extensive powers, including the power to arrest and detain suspects and to conduct searches and seizures.
• The Arms Act, 1959: The Arms Act regulates the possession, acquisition, and transfer of arms and ammunition. The act contains provisions for the punishment of offenses related to the illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
• The Explosives Act, 1884: The Explosives Act regulates the manufacture, possession, and use of explosives. The act contains provisions for the punishment of offenses related to the illegal possession and use of explosives.

INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS:

• National Security Council (NSC): The NSC is the apex body for the formulation and implementation of national security policies. It advises the government on matters related to national security and crisis management.
• National Investigation Agency (NIA): The NIA is a specialized agency that investigates and prosecutes terrorism-related cases. It was established in 2009 and has the power to take over any terrorism-related case from the state police and conduct its investigation.
• National Security Guard (NSG): The NSG is a specialized counter-terrorism force that is equipped and trained to handle terrorist situations. It was established in 1984 and is available for deployment anywhere in the country.
• Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS): The ATS is a specialized unit of the state police that deals with terrorism-related cases. Each state has its ATS, which works in coordination with the central agencies.
• Multi-Agency Centre (MAC): The MAC is an intelligence-sharing platform that brings together various intelligence agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), to coordinate their efforts and share information.
• Cyber Security and Information Assurance (CSIA) Cell: The CSIA Cell is a specialized unit that deals with cyber threats and information security issues. It works in coordination with other intelligence agencies to provide a comprehensive threat assessment.

THE WAY FORWARD:

The Khalistan issue is a complex and sensitive matter that requires a nuanced approach. Here are some steps that could be taken to address the issue:

• Address Historical Grievances: The Indian government could take steps to address the historical grievances of the Sikh community, such as the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. This could involve providing compensation to the victims and their families, holding those responsible for the riots accountable, and ensuring that such incidents do not happen again.
• Political Dialogue: The Indian government could engage in political dialogue with the leaders of the Khalistan movement to understand their concerns and work towards a peaceful resolution. The dialogue could involve representatives from the Sikh community, civil society, and other stakeholders.
• Address Economic Concerns: The Indian government could take steps to address the economic concerns of the people of Punjab, such as creating jobs, promoting investment, and developing infrastructure in the region. This could help to address some of the underlying causes of the Khalistan movement.
• Promote Cultural Diversity: The Indian government could promote cultural diversity and respect for all religious communities in the country. This could involve promoting interfaith dialogue, celebrating cultural festivals, and creating opportunities for people from different communities to come together and interact.
• Counter Radicalization: The Indian government could take steps to counter the radicalization of the Sikh community by promoting moderate voices and countering extremist propaganda. This could involve working with civil society organizations, religious leaders, and the media to promote messages of peace, tolerance, and understanding.
• Strict Law Enforcement: The Indian government could also take strict law enforcement measures against those involved in violent activities, while also respecting the rights of peaceful protestors and activists.

THE CONCLUSION: The Khalistan movement is a cause of concern for India due to its potential to inflict multi-dimensional impacts on India. Addressing the Khalistan issue requires a comprehensive approach that involves multiple stakeholders, including the government, civil society organizations, religious leaders, and the media.