The Khalistani movement emerged in India as a Sikh independence movement, aiming to establish the separate state of Khalistan in the 1970s and 1980s.
The movement primarily centered in the northern Punjab state, where Sikhs are the majority.
Geographical Focus
The Khalistani movement turned into a violent armed insurgency that shook India for over a decade.
Armed Insurgency
Golden Temple Operation
In 1984, Indian forces carried out Operation Blue Star, storming the Golden Temple in Amritsar to flush out Sikh separatists. This operation resulted in significant casualties.
Assassination of Indira Gandhi
The aftermath of Operation Blue Star led to the assassination of then-Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by two of her Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984.
Anti-Sikh Riots
Indira Gandhi's assassination triggered a series of anti-Sikh riots in India.
Current Status
While the Khalistan movement still has some supporters in Punjab, there is no active insurgency in the state today.
Government Crackdown
The Indian government has intensified efforts to combat Khalistani terrorism, leading to the arrest of numerous leaders associated with the movement.
Farmers' Protests
During the 2020 farmers' protests in India, the government initially labeled some participants as 'Khalistanis' but later withdrew the controversial agriculture laws under public pressure.
International Presence
India has been urging countries like Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom to take legal action against Khalistani terrorists. Protests and incidents related to the movement have occurred in these countries.