Call for Khalistan: An Open Letter to the Sikh Diaspora

An open letter to Sikhs who shares the dream of a thriving and peaceful Punjab.

Sikhs burn an effigy of Punjab state Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal during a protest against the killing of two Sikh boys, in Jammu, India. (Photo: AP)

Dear Sikh Diaspora,

At the outset, I must state this letter is mainly directed to a section of the Sikhs settled abroad – the section which harbours the dream of a separate state of Khalistan, and looks for every opportunity to disturb peace in Punjab. It is written to everyone who shares the dream of a thriving and peaceful Punjab.

Pro-’Khalistan’ activists at a demonstration in New York. (Photo: Reuters)

Recent unfortunate incidents in your motherland have angered and pained Punjabis in India and around the world. No one can condone the desecration of Guru Granth Sahib. Equally reprehensible is dumbing down role of the Sikh clergy and conduct of the jathedars. Misusing Sikh institutions for personal and political gain is condemnable.

Reports indicate that Sikh radicals abroad have called a World Sikh Convention this weekend to discuss the desecration of the Holy Book and to revive the demand for a separate Sikh nation. The decision was taken on 18 October in Birmingham by the Federation of Sikh Organisations. Invitations have gone out to Sikh organisations from 27 countries including the US, Canada, UK, Germany, Australia and New Zealand.

Suppressed Anger?

Sikh protesters at an Anti-India “Freedom Rally” at New York. (Photo: Reuters)

The fact that a spate of such acts took place in a space of 10 days clear suggests that a group of people was deliberately playing with the emotions of the people.

The question is who?

The Punjab government claims to have arrested at least eight of the culprits and has declared that over half of them were either Sikh priests or gurudwara workers. The government also claims that two accused brothers were in touch with a couple of NRIs in Australia and Dubai and had been funded by them to commit acts of desecration to disturb peace in the state. The NRIs have gone on record to deny this. Most people in Punjab doubt the version of the police and the SAD-BJP government.

The SAD and the Badals have to accept responsibility for non-governance in Punjab over the last few years and mishandling of recent events. Their arrogance in dealing with various institutions, including the media, is well known. The recent attempt to grant pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a hushed up manner by the Sikh clergy at the behest of Badals, evidently with political motives, is not hidden from anyone. That the clergy, again at the prodding of Badals, had to annul its decision due to wide resentment is also no secret.

Even BJP, the SAD’s coalition partner, is saying that current agitation is the result of suppressed anger among the people. A senior BJP minister, Anil Joshi, has gone on record saying that the agitation is the culmination of anger as “some leaders and ministers are trying to run the system in their own way’’.

Is Khalistan Really a Solution?

Protester in fake shackles at an anti-India demonstration in the US. (Photo: Reuters)

Given the circumstances, your anger and concern is justified but does it justify revival of the Khalistan demand? How is that a solution for Punjab’s problems?

Before stoking the Khalistan fire afresh in your motherland, remember the bloody decade-and-a-half which plunged Punjab into a cycle of violence which claimed thousands of lives, affected lakhs of families. Those wounds are yet to heal. Punjab still has hundreds of orphans and widows who were devastated at that time. Many of you lost your dear ones. Some of you left for foreign shores either to be with your family members and friends, or to seek asylum.

Separate State is No Panacea

Sikh protesters chant slogans at a “Freedom Rally” in the US. (Photo: Reuters)

Punjab has never been the same again. From the most prosperous state, it has slid to one of the worst performing states of the country. From number two among all states in terms of per capita income, Punjab is down to 14th place. Industry is exiting Punjab, thanks to the policies of successive governments (including Congress). The service industry has failed to take off. Agriculture, the mainstay of the state, is facing a major crisis and needs immediate attention.

A separate state is no panacea for the problems and any attempt to revive the agitation will only lead to more suffering. Our neighbour, Pakistan, is hosting a section of former militant leaders and it is obvious that Pakistan is not offering them free lunches. It will exact a painful pound of flesh for such support. Do you want that? It’s time to put our heads together to help Punjab regain its lost glory and bring back peace and prosperity for all.

(The writer is a Chandigarh-based senior journalist)