August 7, 2023
3 mins read

India faces urgent challenge as Pakistan returns to Khalistan playbook

This resurgence of the Khalistan movement must be seen in the context of India’s national security horizon, marked by rising external threats endangering internal security…reports Asian Lite News

The rise in Khalistan activities in Punjab as well as overseas countries is of utmost concern and requires a proactive approach from policymakers and the national security establishment to counter the Pakistan-sponsored threat, author Antariksh Singh wrote in a piece in Khalsa Vox.

Notably, the Khalistan movement — supported by Pakistan — has lately seen a steady rise among the Sikh diaspora in Canada, Australia, the US, and the UK, where it holds a significant presence.

This upswing in activity since 2022 appears to be externally instigated, with elements associated with the Pakistani ISI calling for a ‘referendum’ on Khalistan.

The author stated that the Khalistani groups abroad have resorted to violent acts, primarily targeting Indian interests, especially in Punjab. Diplomatic missions have been vandalized, temples defaced, and past incidents of Khalistan terror in India have been glorified.

A concerning incident occurred in July 2023 when the Indian Consulate in San Francisco was set on fire by Khalistan separatists belonging to the newly formed group ‘Sikhs for Justice.’ This organization further escalated the situation by calling for the ‘killing’ of Indian diplomats stationed in Canada, the US, the UK, and Australia, Khalsa Vox piece stated.

These separatist elements have even conducted ‘referendums’ for a separate Khalistan, attracting significant participation from the Sikh community in various countries. Additionally, incidents of communal violence between Khalistan supporters and pro-India groups were reported in places like Canada and Australia.

After temples, Khalistanis target Indian consulate in Brisbane.

As per the author, what makes the situation alarming is that these subversive activities abroad are accompanied by violent actions within India itself. Khalistan elements were found to have infiltrated the farmers’ agitation in 2020, and instances of violence, such as the Red Fort incident on January 26, 2021, have occurred, raising further concerns about the revival of terror in Punjab.

Canada, which provided “sanctuary” to notorious Khalistan terrorists in the past, has been identified as a “hub” for Khalistan sympathizers, with some political support from the administration. Indian authorities have expressed concern over Canada’s failure to act on this matter due to perceived ‘vote bank politics’, Khalsa Vox piece stated.

Notably, the revival of the Khalistan movement is viewed as Pakistan’s desperate attempt to revive the terror profile of the 1980s in Punjab, after India made progress in controlling cross-border terrorism in Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370.

The situation necessitates a proactive approach from policymakers and the national security establishment to address the growing threat. Diplomatic, political, and police measures must be implemented to prevent further deterioration in Punjab. Additionally, efforts should be made to counter pro-Pakistan lobbies internationally, supported by China, and promote unity among Punjabis based on the values taught by Guru Nanak.

For addressing the situation effectively, the author advises appointing a Governor with a national security background to guide the state and educate the state government on the developing security challenges. Punjab needs to be handled with a mature approach, in coordination with the national security set-up and requires a smooth Centre-State relationship to advance the larger interests of the state and the nation.

This resurgence of the Khalistan movement must be seen in the context of India’s national security horizon, marked by rising external threats endangering internal security. The strategic advantage gained by Pakistan over India in Afghanistan due to the return of the Taliban, increased collaboration between Pakistan and China, and the use of social media for ‘information warfare’ and radicalization of terrorists are major security concerns, Khalsa Vox piece stated.

“China and Pakistan are actively working together to exploit opportunities to destabilize India through clandestine funding, weapon supply, and drug trafficking via drones. The situation in Punjab, therefore, demands urgent attention and robust measures to counter the growing threat of Khalistan militancy,” author Antariksh Singh further stated in the piece. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Canada vows to get tough on Khalistanis, reassures safety of Indian diplomats

Previous Story

Canada vows to get tough on Khalistanis, reassures safety of Indian diplomats

Next Story

Ukraine nabs suspected Russian operative in airstrike plot

Latest from -Top News

India, Ghana elevate ties

PM Modi honoured with Ghana’s highest civilian award during historic visit India and Ghana have taken a major step towards deepening bilateral cooperation with the signing of four key Memoranda of Understanding

Settlement in national currencies on BRICS agenda

The summit is expected to reinforce BRICS’ evolving role as a platform for inclusive global development and balanced multipolar engagement As anticipation builds for the upcoming BRICS Summit scheduled for 6-7 July,

Dalai Lama Reveals Succession Plans

Spiritual leader says his office, the Gaden Phodrang Trust, was the sole authority on reincarnation As exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama approaches his 90th birthday, he asserted on Wednesday that

India-US Trade Talks Go Down to the Wire

The Indian trade negotiators have extended their stay in US, signalling a last-minute push to iron out key differences….reports Asian Lite News With the US tariff deadline fast approaching, Indian and American

Extreme Heat Chokes Europe

Although over 80 countries have developed national drought plans, the UNCCD warns that implementation remains a major gap…reports Asian Lite News Large swathes of Europe are being scorched by extreme heat and
Go toTop

Don't Miss

India records 1,68,063 cases, 277 deaths

Maharashtra recorded the maximum number of 1,247 cases followed by

Atul Keshap is new charge d’affaires in India

Keshap will replace former deputy secretary of state Daniel Smith,