The Sikhs are fighting for a separate homeland since 1947 but their movement attained impetus by the efforts of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, which in 1984 resulted in most brutal operation against a highly sacred Sikh religious place – the Golden Temple – resulting in killing of thousands of Sikhs. Recently, prominent Sikh leader Gopal Singh Chawla revealed that ‘Peace for Sikhs’ has stepped up registration process for the Khalistan Referendum 2020. Moreover, the Sikh soldiers in Indian army have been asked to resign and join the Movement. Reportedly, 11000 to 13000 Sikh soldiers have already left the Indian Army rejecting all monetary benefits and have joined Khalistan Movement. They have reaffirmed their resolve to fight for their own country and not for India.
Gopal Singh Chawla believed that the Sikhs soldiers have realized that Indian military leadership always posts Sikh troops on borders to face any confrontation and clash and that it is either Sikhs or low-caste Hindus soldiers lay their lives for India. “However, from now onwards, Sikhs will only lay their lives for Khalistan,” he asserted.
Gopal Singh also stated thousands of Sikhs registering for Referendum 2020 has unnerved the Narendra Modi government. According to him, India Army is also in dire straits following the resignation of Sikhs, especially at a time when New Delhi is engaged in confrontation at China and Nepal borders, besides the Line of Control.
Gopal Singh maintained that Khalistan is the basic right of the Sikh community and that they will now leave no stone unturned to make it a reality. He also referred to the promise of Gandhi made with Sikhs in 1947 regarding Khalistan, which was never fulfilled by the ‘cunning’ Hindu leadership. “Now Sikh nation is more aware of its rights which has left New Delhi in panic,” he added.
The Indian vulnerabilities have been exposed first during the mishandling of Covid-19 outbreak and lately by historic embarrassment at the hands of China in Laddakh region. India seems to be acting like a rudderless ship destined to sink. The BJP/RSS fascist policies have not only weakened the Indian federation but also created a disconnect in society and its national institutions. Presently nothing seems to be going right for India as every coming day is bringing a bad news for it. The latest development of Sikh troops quitting Indian Army will definitely make an impact on other castes in the force. Indian Army due to paucity of resources coupled with complex caste system is already in very low-morale, discontented and un-professional force which has generated serious concerns for its leadership on several occasions.