Amritsar, June 11, 2025 — The story of the Sikh community in India is one of repeated betrayal, silenced resistance, and denied recognition. Despite their sacrifices for the nation, Indian governments—regardless of political alignment—have consistently failed to deliver Sikh justice, choosing instead to exploit their identity for votes and military valor while denying them dignity and rights.
Broken Promises and Historical Betrayal
Immediately after independence in 1947, the Indian state dismissed Sikh demands for autonomy. Prime Minister Nehru ignored the Anandpur Sahib Resolution, branding calls for Sikh self-determination as divisive. Throughout the 1950s and 60s, Sikhs peacefully led the Punjabi Suba movement to carve out a Punjabi-speaking state. However, the government responded by labeling them “separatists,” setting a dangerous precedent of criminalizing democratic dissent.
Moreover, no Indian Prime Minister has ever officially apologized for the 1984 Operation Blue Star, where the Indian Army stormed the Golden Temple, or for the subsequent anti-Sikh pogroms. Over 3,000 Sikhs were slaughtered in Delhi alone, yet the majority of perpetrators still walk free. These actions entrenched a deep mistrust that has never healed.
State Violence and Suppressed Voices
From 1984 to 1995, Punjab became a battlefield. Security forces detained, tortured, and killed tens of thousands of Sikh youth in fake encounters. The state promoted the perpetrators while denying accountability. Even today, Sikh political prisoners remain in jail despite completing their sentences, and the state shows no intent to release them.
During the 2020–2021 farmers’ protests, the government repeated this cycle. When 750 farmers died—many of them Sikhs—officials labeled them “Khalistanis,” ignoring their genuine grievances. The BJP’s aggressive propaganda dehumanized them rather than engaged them in dialogue. Once again, Sikh justice was buried under state power.
Global Response and Resilient Identity
Meanwhile, the Sikh diaspora has risen to challenge these injustices. Gurdwaras across the world have banned Indian diplomats. Countries like Canada, the UK, and the US have hosted Khalistan Referendums with peaceful and massive turnouts. Despite smear campaigns, international observers noted their democratic and non-violent conduct.
India’s pressure on foreign governments to suppress these referendums reflects not concern for security but fear of global Sikh unity. Every regime—from Congress to BJP—has wielded terms like “Khalistani” to delegitimize dissent, pushing even moderate Sikhs away from integration and closer to calls for independence.
Despite relentless repression, the Sikh spirit endures. The world is watching, and the demand for Sikh justice continues to grow louder.
Also See : Criminalization of Sikh Identity Surges After 2025 Standoff
