From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Op Blue Star, Golden Temple, Khalistani Movement
Mains level: Separatists activism and threat to internal security
Why in the News?
June 1, the day Punjab votes in the last phase of the Lok Sabha election, happens to be the anniversary of “Operation Blue Star” which has influenced the recent history and politics of the state.
Operation Blue Star
The operation was highly controversial and led to widespread outrage among Sikhs, both in India and abroad. It also had political repercussions, including the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her bodyguards later that year, which sparked anti-Sikh riots across India. |
What is the Khalistan movement?
- The Khalistan movement is a Sikh separatist movement aiming to establish a sovereign state called Khalistan (Land of the Khalsa) in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan.
Factors Contributing to Khalistan’s Rise:
- Partition of India (1947): The division of Punjab and the loss of Sikh holy sites in Pakistan led to a sense of displacement and marginalisation among Sikhs.
- Linguistic Reorganization of States (1966): The creation of a Sikh-majority Punjab but with reduced territorial size and economic potential further fueled the desire for greater autonomy and cultural rights.
- Anandpur Sahib Resolution (1973): The demand for greater autonomy and cultural rights for Punjab was seen as a secessionist threat by the central government, leading to increased tensions.
- External Support: The involvement of external forces, such as Pakistan, which have supported and funded some Khalistani groups for their strategic interests, has also played a significant role in the movement’s persistence.
PYQ:[2016] Has the formation of linguistic states strengthened the cause of Indian unity? |
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