Context:

India has taken measures to enhance security and vigilance in response to planned rallies by pro-Khalistan separatists on July 8, in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, and Australia.

Khalistan Movement: Overview

• The Khalistan Movement is a political and separatist movement advocating for the creation of a separate, sovereign Sikh state called Khalistan in present-day Punjab, which spans both India and Pakistan.
• Historical Background: 
  • Independence Era: The movement traces its roots back to the time of India’s Independence when the demand for a Punjabi-speaking state, known as the Punjabi Suba Movement, emerged. 
  • State Reorganization: The States Reorganisation Commission, in its 1955 report, rejected this demand, but in 1966, after years of protest, the state of Punjab was reorganised to reflect the Punjabi Suba demand.
    • The erstwhile Punjab state was trifurcated into the Hindi-speaking, Hindu-majority states of Himachal Pradesh and Haryana and the Punjabi-speaking, Sikh-majority Punjab.

• Anandpur Sahib Resolution:
  • The Anandpur Sahib Resolution was issued by the Akali Dal (a Sikh political party) in 1973, presenting their demands for greater autonomy for the state of Punjab.
  • The resolution sought autonomy for Punjab, identified specific regions to be included in the state, and called for the right to frame its own internal constitution.
  • Although the Akali Dal clarified that they were not seeking secession from India, the Indian government viewed the Anandpur Sahib Resolution as a matter of serious concern.
• Current State of the Khalistan Movement:
  • The Khalistan movement faced significant crackdowns in India, including Operation Blue Star in 1984 and subsequent operations like Black Thunder. 
  • These actions led to a decline in the movement’s activities within India.
  • Despite the decline in India, the Khalistan movement continues to find sympathy and support among certain sections of the Sikh population, particularly in the Sikh diaspora residing in countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia.

Concerns for India:

• Safety of Indian Diplomats: The planned rallies targeting Indian diplomatic missions and diplomats raise concerns about the safety and security of Indian officials stationed in the affected countries.
• Rise in Separatist Activity: The increase in pro-Khalistan separatist activity overseas, including attacks on Indian missions, arson attempts, and vandalism, is alarming and indicates a sharp uptick in separatist sentiments.
• Threats to Indian Diaspora: Pro-Khalistan groups targeting Indian diaspora and community centers raise concerns about the safety and well-being of Indian citizens living abroad.
• Lack of Response from Host Countries: India’s concerns over the lack of response from the host countries to address the threats and provide adequate protection for Indian diplomatic interests add to the concerns.

Way Forward:

• Diplomatic Engagement: India should continue engaging with the concerned countries diplomatically to address the security concerns and seek their cooperation in ensuring the safety of Indian officials and citizens.
• Information Sharing: Establishing effective mechanisms to share intelligence, information, and discuss solutions to tackle the rising violence by pro-Khalistan groups is crucial.
• Legal and Law Enforcement Cooperation: Strengthening legal and law enforcement cooperation with the host countries to investigate and take action against individuals or organizations supporting violence and terrorism is important.
• Public Diplomacy: India should reassess its public diplomacy approach, focusing on highlighting the peaceful and inclusive nature of Indian society while addressing concerns about the safety of its citizens. 
• Balancing Assertiveness and Cooperation: While India has legitimate concerns, it should strike a balance between assertiveness in raising issues and cooperation with the host countries. This approach can help foster better relations and facilitate effective dialogue to address the challenges at hand.
  • Such as downgrading security for the British High Commission might be demonstrative, but hardly diplomatically effective.

News Source: The Hindu

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