The deepening tensions between Canada and India have recently escalated due to a series of diplomatic expulsions and mutual allegations surrounding the Sikh independence movement, known as Khalistan. This movement, banned in India but supported by the Sikh diaspora, has become a point of contention between the two nations. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has raised concerns about Indian involvement in the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. As both countries exchange accusations, it is vital to understand the Khalistan movement’s history and its current significance.
Understanding the Khalistan Movement:
The Khalistan movement originated in the Sikh community seeking independence from India in the 1970s. What began as a political campaign eventually transformed into a violent armed insurgency concentrated in Punjab, where Sikhs constitute a majority. The Indian government responded with a severe crackdown that lasted over a decade, resulting in the deaths of countless individuals, including notable Sikh leaders.
Key Events:
One of the most significant incidents related to the Khalistan movement took place in 1984 when Indian forces stormed Amritsar’s Golden Temple, a revered Sikh shrine, to confront the separatists hiding inside. The operation resulted in the loss of several hundred lives, according to official reports, although Sikh groups maintain that the death toll was much higher. The assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by two Sikh bodyguards shortly thereafter triggered widespread anti-Sikh riots, further exacerbating the already tense situation.
Current Status and Global Influence:
While an active insurgency in Punjab no longer exists, the Khalistan movement maintains a degree of support within the state, as well as among the Sikh diaspora scattered worldwide. The Indian government has repeatedly highlighted the potential resurgence of Sikh separatism, leading to increased efforts to apprehend and detain Sikh leaders associated with the movement.
India has sought the cooperation of countries such as Canada, Australia, and the U.K., where the Sikh population is significant, in taking legal action against Sikh activists. The Modi government has been particularly adamant in raising concerns about the Khalistan movement with Canada. Incidents like Sikh protesters vandalizing Indian establishments and attacking the Indian High Commission in various countries have heightened tensions further.
Market Capital Research 