Global Khalistani Protests on the Anniversary of Operation Blue Star

Each June, as India reflects on the shadow of one of its most traumatic episodes—Operation Blue Star—ripples of its memory reverberate across the globe. This year, on the 41st anniversary of the military operation that sought to flush out militants from the Golden Temple in 1984, pro-Khalistan elements (PKEs) once again took to the streets across major global cities. From London to San Francisco, from Milan to Melbourne, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and affiliated organizations revived the call for a separate Sikh homeland—Khalistan—while protesting what they perceive as continued marginalization of Sikhs in India.

What was particularly notable this year, however, was not just the slogans or flags but the subtle decline in participation and emerging fissures within the pro-Khalistan ecosystem itself.

London: Diminished Numbers, Sharpened Rhetoric

In Trafalgar Square, London—a location that has become symbolic for global protests—around 2,000 demonstrators gathered under the aegis of the Federation of Sikh Organizations (FSO). This number was noticeably lower than last year’s turnout, signaling a possible fatigue or fragmentation within the diaspora. Still, the rhetoric remained incendiary. Dabinderjit Singh, senior adviser to the Sikh Federation UK (SFUK), did not mince words. He demanded a judicial inquiry into the UK government’s alleged role during the original Operation Blue Star, threatening to bar Labour MPs who do not support the demand from engaging with the Sikh community at Gurdwaras. This bold ultimatum underscored a shift in tactics—from mere protest to overt political coercion.

Europe: A Patchwork of Protests

Across Europe, protests were largely symbolic, if sparsely attended. In Milan, just 22 individuals participated in a protest organized by Italy-based SFJ functionaries near the Indian Consulate. The speakers pivoted attention towards the proposed SFJ-led referendum scheduled for August 17 in Washington, DC—a recurring theme across most global protests this year.

In Germany, a joint demonstration in Frankfurt drew about 30 activists from a mix of organizations including Babbar Khalsa, Dal Khalsa Germany, and the World Sikh Parliament. Their speeches harked back to 1984, alleging continued discrimination against Sikhs and minorities in India. Yet, the fragmented turnout exposed the fault lines within these factions—each pushing its narrative, each clinging to a decades-old grievance.

North America: Loud Voices, Dwindling Crowds

In the United States, two protests were held on June 7—one in Washington DC, led by prominent SFJ and Council of Khalistan members, and another in San Francisco. These events featured the usual chants of “We want Khalistan” and even acts like the desecration of the Indian flag. Still, the combined turnout of roughly 100 protestors across two cities showed a declining trend compared to earlier years when anti-India fervor drew larger crowds.

Canada, traditionally considered a hotbed of Khalistani sentiment, also saw a muted protest in Toronto. Just 40 to 45 participants showed up in front of the Indian Consulate, including key SFJ figures Kuljeet Singh and Daljeet Singh Sekhon. In a worrying gesture for Indian authorities, they openly expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its “support in Punjab,” again highlighting the complex and often murky international dimensions of the Khalistan narrative.

Australia: Ritual and Rally

Down under, the protests followed a similar pattern—flag waving, fiery speeches, and calls for referendum participation. In Melbourne and Brisbane, demonstrators carried both Australian and Khalistani flags, signaling an uneasy hybrid identity among the diaspora. More striking, however, was the massive turnout at the “27th Shaheedi Tournament 2025” in Griffith, Sydney. With approximately 5,000 attendees, this two-day event merged sport, remembrance, and political messaging. Khalistani flags dotted the grounds, while exhibitions commemorating Operation Blue Star and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots shaped a potent narrative of victimhood and resistance.

A Fractured Movement?

While the geographic spread of these protests remains impressive, the declining numbers and divergent messaging suggest a movement that is increasingly fragmented. Analysts have noted internal tensions, particularly between SFJ and SFUK, which may be contributing to reduced mobilization. These factional differences are not merely organizational—they reflect deeper ideological rifts about the path forward. Should the struggle focus on referendum advocacy, human rights lobbying, or diaspora politics? Should it court state actors like Pakistan or rely on international legal institutions?

This fragmentation is significant. A movement built on historical trauma and exile can only sustain itself through a coherent vision and unity of purpose—both of which appear to be eroding.

The Problem for India

For India, these protests remain a persistent diplomatic challenge. While the numbers may be decreasing, the symbolic impact of these events—especially when they involve flag desecration or anti-India sloganeering in front of diplomatic missions—is far from negligible. They also risk influencing younger diaspora members who may be exposed to a one-sided narrative of grievance without the historical and political nuance required for understanding such a complex issue.

Furthermore, the open appeals to Pakistan for support and the involvement of banned outfits like Babbar Khalsa continue to raise security alarms in India. Even as the SFJ-led “referendum” initiatives are dismissed by Indian authorities as legally meaningless, they complicate international perceptions, especially when foreign governments allow such expressions under the banner of free speech.

Memory as Mobilization

Forty-one years after Operation Blue Star, the Khalistan movement abroad remains caught in a time warp—more nostalgic than strategic, more divided than decisive. While protests continue each June as ritualistic acts of remembrance and resistance, their impact is increasingly blunted by internal disunity and dwindling public engagement.

Still, one cannot entirely dismiss the emotional undercurrent that drives these commemorations. Operation Blue Star and the subsequent anti-Sikh riots of 1984 remain unhealed wounds for many in the Sikh diaspora. Until those historical traumas are more comprehensively addressed, they will continue to serve as fuel for movements that oscillate between legitimate grievance and radical demand.

What is clear is that both India and the international community must tread carefully—balancing the right to free expression with the need to counter extremist ideologies. The world cannot afford to let the embers of 1984 ignite new fires in a different century.