KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
01-Oct-1980
10 paisa postal stamps of Khalistan state distributed by Khalsa Mukti Vahini.
25-Sep-1980
A three-day route march launched by Khalistani supporters, covering Attari, Jhabal, Bir Baba Budha Sahib, Tarn Taran, Sirhali, Goindwal Sahib, Khadoor Sahib, and ending at Guru Nanak Niwas in Amritsar. Pamphlets appealing to the public to prepare themselves for the creation of Khalistan distributed.
26-Aug-1980
All the leading newspapers in Jalandhar receive postal stamps bearing the insignia of Khalistan from Jagjit Singh Chouhan, operating from the UK.
18-Jul-1980
In Amritsar city, a procession led by Surinder Singh Oberoi on behalf of Khalistan brigade raises slogans in favour of Khalistan.
16-Jul-1980
Balbir Singh Sandhu, announces the formation of Khalistan government at Akal Takht, Amritsar, and asks government officials to prepare for duty on the basis of Gurbani concepts. He also declares the formation of Khalsa panchayat and Khalistan brigades in all villages and the issue of Khalistan passports. Republic Day, January 26, 1981 would be observed as “black day,”he adds..
08-Jul-1980
Different groups of Naxals decide to extend their support and cooperation to the Khalistani Movement at a meeting convened by Jagjit Singh Sohal of CPML.
04-Jul-1980
Balbir Singh Sandhu, issues a circular to all senior officers in Punjab, exhorting them to modify their working practices according to the tenets of Khalistan.
16-Jun-1980
Balbir Singh Sandhu, self-styled Secretary General of Council of Khalistan, appoints Jagjit Singh Chouhan as the President of Khalistan, and appeals to foreign governments to recognise Khalistan..
24-Apr-1980
Nirankari sect chief Baba Gurbachan Singh shot dead at the Nirankari headquarters in Delhi by a member of Akhand Kirtani Jatha.
12-Apr-1980
Jagjit Singh Chouhan announces his election as the President of Council of Khalistan.
03-Apr-1980
Jagjit Singh Chouhan hoists a ‘Khalistani’ flag from the Gurudwara of Keshgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib.
23-Feb-1980
A meeting convened by former Director of Health Services Dr Sohan Singh decides to step up “Khalistan” activities and collect funds for the cause. K S Grewal, Major Ujagar Singh, and Ajmer Singh among those present.
12-Dec-1979
Addressing a press conference at Anandpur Sahib, Inquilabi Akali Dal President Jagjit Singh Chouhan declares that 1980 would be celebrated as “Khalistan Year”.
07-Oct-1978
Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee adopts a resolution demanding a ban on Nirankari religious books, and calls upon Sikhs to abide by the ‘hukumnama’ issued by the Akal Takht.
06-Aug-1978
The “Dal Khalsa” a far right Sikh organisation named after the Sikh Army that operated in the Punjab region in the 18th century, is formed, with a five-member Supreme Council comprising Harsimran Singh, Gajinder Singh, Harbhagat Singh, Jaswant Singh Thekedar, and Satnam Singh Paonta Sahib.
10-Jun-1978
The Akal Takht (the highest political institution of the Sikhs) issues a “Hukumnama” or religious decree calling upon Sikhs to boycott the Nirankaris.
13-Apr-1978
At least 17 people killed and over a 100 injured after a ““Manav Ekta Sammelan Divas” organised by Sant Nirankaris ---a Sikh splinter group which believes in a living guru as opposed to the scriptural Guru Granth Sahib ---in Amritsar is attacked by Akhand Kirtani Jatha and Damdami Taksal members. Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a fiery Sikh leader who instigated the attack on Nirankaris by swearing that he would not let anyone insult Sikh Gurus, hits the headlines. .