Chandigarh: The Khalistan narrative is impacting India’s geopolitics. However, this demand had failed the democratic test way back in 1946. The Shiromani Akali Dal contested the elections on the agenda of a separate and exclusive sovereign Sikh state. The party had then entered into a limited alliance with the Congress. The concept of Khalistan first emerged in 1940 as a response to the Pakistan Resolution adopted by the Muslim League. Dr. V.S. Bhatti of Ludhiana initially proposed the idea of an independent Sikh state. This idea garnered more attention from Congress than from the Akali Dal itself.

Khalistan Discourse and Sikh Struggle: A Historical and Contemporary Overview”

In the present day, the Khalistan discourse has significantly strained India’s relations with Canada and has emerged as an irritant in the context of the United States—particularly following the foiled attempt on the life of Sikhs for Justice leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The demand for Khalistan referendum that is being espoused in the West is just another version of the self-determination call  raised by the Akalis decades back. The 680-page book Sikh Struggle Documents 1920-2022 by Jagtar Sing comprising 181 documents, the latest on Sikh religio-political discourse to hit the stands, offers the first comprehensive documentation of the Khalistan as part of the broader Sikh narrative, providing a detailed understanding of this phenomenon. It is based on original documents, shedding light on the development of this complex issue in the present context.

Sikh Struggles: Historical Context and Akali Dal’s Evolution

Secondly, while the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is currently facing an existential crisis, particularly regarding the Akal Takht’s involvement in its affairs, the earliest constitution of the party of 1940 listed its main objectives as ‘to serve the Panth, the country, and the oppressed, and to strive for the improvement of gurdwara management’ (Shiromani Akali Dal Da Mukh Mantav Panth, Desh Te Mazloomaan Di Sewa Karna Hai…Gurdwarian De Parbandh Te Sudhar Te Sewa Lai Uddam). To understand the significance of these narratives, it is essential to explore the historical context, especially when the Sikh religio-political discourse began impacting India’s geopolitics. This book provides a comprehensive study of Sikh struggles spanning over a century, rooted in original documents—many of which have previously not been part of the public domain.

Khalistan Struggle: Roots, Conflicts, and Global Impact

This is the fourth book by this author. The other three are Khalistan Struggle-A Non-movement, Rivers on Fire – Khalistan Struggle and Kalapani: Punjabis’ Role in Freedom Struggle. Punjab witnessed a fierce conflict that lasted for about a decade and a half, beginning in 1980, triggered by developments in April 1978. This period of violence claimed around 35,000 lives. The repercussions of this conflict were most acutely felt abroad, especially in countries with significant Sikh diasporas. These events also disrupted India’s diplomatic relations, particularly with Canada. This volume aims to facilitate a deeper understanding of these phenomena, based on original documents.

Sikh History: Struggles, Sovereignty, and the Khalistan Movement

The book includes the documents such as earlier constitutions of the Shiromani Akali Dal, speeches from Akali leaders, contextual insights on the Congress attitude towards Sikhs during the pre-partition period, nearly all Akali Dal manifestos, and key articulations from militant organizations. Anyone seeking to understand the Khalistan struggle will find this book to be an invaluable resource, offering the most comprehensive insight available to date. The history of the Sikhs is a compelling narrative of resilience and aspiration, driven by their pursuit of dignity and honour. At times, this pursuit has manifested in the demand for a sovereign state. Over the span of more than 500 years, the Sikhs governed a vast territory. This territory stretched from the Satluj River to the Khyber Pass. Their boundaries touched Tibet. They were also a key player in colonial negotiations for India’s freedom.

Sikh Struggles: Legacy, Partition, and Global Impact

The Sikh religio-political narrative has significantly shaped India’s political landscape for over a century. This is particularly true with the revival of the Sikh struggle. The establishment of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) marked this revival on November 15, 1920, at the Akal Takht. The Akal Takht is the supreme seat of Sikh sovereignty located in front of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. This narrative evolved further after the partition of India in 1947. This event resulted in one of the most tragic massacres in history. Since then, Sikh religio-political dynamics have continued to influence India’s political landscape. They have increasingly shaped its geopolitical relations, especially with the Sikh diaspora.

Khalistan Demand: Origins, Autonomy, and Sikh Struggles

This volume documents these struggles. It begins with the pivotal year of 1940. That was when the demand for Khalistan was first articulated in response to the Muslim League’s Resolution for Pakistan. Central to this narrative are issues surrounding autonomy for Punjab and the quest for a separate Sikh state. The book includes a rich collection of original documents related to these issues, both during and after the partition. Notably, the SGPC had formally advocated for a separate Sikh state even before 1947. This volume is unique. It presents a cohesive narrative that spans from the early 20th century to contemporary times. The book reflects shifts in the religio-political landscape. It also includes manifestos from the Shiromani Akali Dal, various party constitutions, and important documents relating to the militant struggle.