AI Generated Summary
- For many Sikhs, the path forward lies not in the divisive politics of the past, but in a future built on genuine respect, inclusion, and a recognition of their unique heritage—both in India and across the world.
- As long as the movement remains entangled with external actors whose own record with the Sikh community is deeply problematic, it will struggle to find resonance among those it claims to represent.
- The result is a growing sense of alienation and even anger within the broader Sikh community, who see their identity and aspirations being manipulated for purposes far removed from their own interests.
In the ever-complex tapestry of South Asian politics, few issues are as emotionally charged and historically fraught as the Khalistan movement—a campaign for a separate Sikh homeland. Yet, as the movement’s rhetoric periodically resurfaces, one aspect remains curiously underexplored: the growing disenchantment within the Sikh community, especially regarding Pakistan’s overt involvement and support for pro-Khalistan elements.
The Historical Irony: Mughal Memories and Modern Realities
For many Sikhs, history is not a distant echo but a living memory. The community vividly recalls the persecution of their Gurus at the hands of Mughal emperors—figures still venerated in Pakistan’s national narrative. This historical wound makes Pakistan’s enthusiastic support for the Khalistan cause appear not just opportunistic, but deeply ironic. The overt displays of solidarity from Islamabad and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) are seen by many Sikhs as hollow gestures, lacking any genuine empathy or understanding of Sikh history and sentiment.
The Reality of Sikhs in Pakistan: Marginalization and Neglect
The situation of Sikhs within Pakistan itself further fuels this disenchantment. Despite Punjab being the historical heartland of Sikhism, Sikhs in Pakistan are a marginalized minority, often treated as second-class citizens. The economic benefits of Pakistani Punjab, a region that once flourished with Sikh enterprise and culture, have largely bypassed the Sikh community. Data and anecdotal evidence alike point to a lack of representation, opportunity, and respect.
A telling statistic underscores this marginalization: Pakistani Punjab has never had a Sikh Chief Minister, while Indian Punjab has never seen a non-Sikh in the role since the state’s reorganization in 1966. This contrast is not lost on the Sikh community, which sees in India, despite its challenges, a more inclusive and representative system.
Sacred Sites and Selective Borders: The Hollow Promise of Khalistan
Perhaps most glaring is the geographical and spiritual incongruity of the Khalistan proposal itself. The movement’s map, as advocated by its most vocal proponents, notably excludes Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur—two of Sikhism’s holiest sites, both located in Pakistan. The exclusion of these sacred places makes the entire project appear, to many Sikhs, as lacking authenticity and substance. It raises uncomfortable questions: How can a homeland for Sikhs not encompass the very soil where their faith was born?
Moreover, outside of a handful of well-maintained gurdwaras, the majority of Sikh religious sites in Pakistan languish in neglect. This disregard for Sikh heritage further undermines Pakistan’s credibility as a genuine well-wisher of the Sikh cause.
The Political Fallout: Alienation and Anger
The alignment of some pro-Khalistan leaders, such as Gurpatwant Pannun, with Pakistan during moments of tension with India—most notably during events like Operation Sindoor—has only deepened the rift. For the average Sikh, such alliances seem less about justice or self-determination and more about serving external geopolitical agendas. The result is a growing sense of alienation and even anger within the broader Sikh community, who see their identity and aspirations being manipulated for purposes far removed from their own interests.
A Movement at a Crossroads
The Khalistan movement, once a rallying cry for some, now finds itself at a crossroads. Pakistan’s overt involvement, far from galvanizing Sikh support, has instead exposed the contradictions and hypocrisies at the heart of the movement. For many Sikhs, the path forward lies not in the divisive politics of the past, but in a future built on genuine respect, inclusion, and a recognition of their unique heritage—both in India and across the world.
As long as the movement remains entangled with external actors whose own record with the Sikh community is deeply problematic, it will struggle to find resonance among those it claims to represent. The Sikh community, proud of its history and mindful of its future, deserves better than to be a pawn in someone else’s game.
