Khalistani activities are rapidly increasing in various cities of India, especially in Punjab, which is a matter of great concern. This is because it was due to these people that Punjab had suffered immensely in the 1980s, leading to a weakened economic situation that the state has yet to recover from. Before this, Punjab was the most prosperous and happy state in the country. People of all religions and castes lived together in harmony. However, certain political figures, in pursuit of their personal interests and political gains, risked the peace and stability of Punjab, which not only disrupted the atmosphere but also destroyed the youth’s future. As a result, the youth began to migrate abroad, and today, it has become a trend that Punjabi youth and migrants are taking over foreign lands.
In recent days, Khalistani groups and Pakistani agencies have once again intensified their activities to disturb the environment, not just in Punjab but across the country. Some people are blaming the Bhagwant Mann government of Punjab for this, citing the lack of law and order. Punjab, which once never witnessed incidents of robbery or violence, has now become the crime capital. Khalistani groups are taking advantage of this. Recent events such as the grenade attack on a temple in Amritsar and an assault on devotees at the Darbar Sahib Sarai can be linked to these activities.
Another issue that has come into the spotlight is that some young people from Punjab, while visiting Gurdwaras in Himachal Pradesh, are displaying flags on their vehicles, which the people of Himachal Pradesh are opposing. With the help of the administration, these flags, which are believed to be Khalistani flags, are being removed. Subsequently, some miscreants have started putting up photos of Bhindranwale on every bus and vehicle coming from Himachal to Punjab. On Tuesday night, these miscreants pelted stones at a bus from Himachal, breaking its windows.
Gunjeet Singh Bakhshi, Secretary-General of Sikh Brotherhood International, believes that religious leaders should step forward and guide Sikh youth. He warned that if they are not careful, influenced by politics, Punjab could slide back into that dark period of history. He suggested that youth should display the Nishan Sahib (the Sikh flag) on their vehicles, which is the identity of Sikhs. However, some youth, misled by certain individuals, are displaying flags with pictures of Bhindranwale, which is bound to create controversy. He emphasized that a Sikh traveling to view the Guru’s teachings would never indulge in any form of violence and would never consider attacking a bus with children, elderly, and women on board. He pointed out that Sikhs have organized numerous protests, some lasting for months, but never once caused harm to others or damaged public property. Therefore, it is clear that Khalistani elements are behind these disturbances, trying to worsen the atmosphere in the country. He urged all citizens, especially the youth, to be cautious and not fall prey to their misleading propaganda, so they can protect their future from being ruined.
