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. .
