Bhindranwale 2.0: Analysis of Amritpal Singh Rule in Punjab and Rise of Khalistan

Introduction

Amritpal is attempting to attract vulnerable and dissatisfied young people in Punjab by utilizing his passionate speeches, which focus on three main ideas: the elimination of drugs, a return to the fundamental principles of Sikhism, and the necessity of Khalistan in response to perceived injustices against Sikhs.

Jallupur Khera, a peaceful village located near NH-3 in Amritsar, was known for its agricultural prosperity and tranquil environment until a year ago. The village is often visited by Sandhu Jat Sikhs during Sangrand to pay respects at the gurdwara located in the dera of their medieval-age patron saint, Baba Kala Mehar. However, things changed in August last year when a 30-year-old Sikh radical named Amritpal Singh Sandhu, who had returned from Dubai, brought attention to the village and reawakened memories of an uproaring past. Despite being a hub for farming activities, the village now became known for Sandhu's actions.

Seizure of the Ajnala police station by a large group led by Amritpal

The recent events in Punjab appear to reflect the issues that are affecting the state. A group led by an aspiring ideologist attacked a police station in the Amritsar border district, reminiscent of the violent days of militancy. This occurred on the same day that Governor Banwari Lal Purohit and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann clashed over the Budget Session of the Assembly. Eventually, the AAP-led state government appealed to the Supreme Court, which criticised both the Governor and the CM for their actions that exacerbated the conflict.

The seizure of the Ajnala police station by a large group led by Amritpal, who recently returned from Dubai, has caused concern in the state and supports the view that the inexperienced AAP government is not suitable for governing a sensitive state like Punjab. Although CM Mann has downplayed the incident, there appears to be widespread dissatisfaction, which Amritpal is exploiting. It is important to note that Punjab requires a firm and compassionate administration. While Amritpal's act of taking the Guru Granth Sahib during the takeover has angered some members of the Sikh community and caused disrespect, it has also strengthened his position by garnering support from criminals who now see him as a powerful leader who can protect them from the police.

According to Indian intelligence sources, Sandhu has received backing from the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and has formed a group of armed individuals known as Anandpur Khalsa Fauj (AKF), which includes individuals willing to commit suicide bombings. In March 2023, the state and central governments collaborated to carry out a thorough crackdown on Sandhu and his associates. As of 31 March 2023, the operation is still ongoing and Sandhu is evading authorities.

Rise of Amritpal Singh

In February 2022, the death of Deep Sidhu caused his supporters to lose direction. Amritpal Singh observed the situation and attempted to take over as the new leader of Waris De Punjab. The group was founded by Sidhu after he was denied a platform by protesting farmers' unions. Initially, Sidhu's family opposed Amritpal Singh's assumption of leadership. Amritpal gained popularity among Khalistani sympathisers due to his decision to base his separatist agenda in Punjab rather than running his activities from foreign countries like other separatists such as Gurpatwant Pannu. Despite the risks, Amritpal dared to pursue his agenda from India.

Why Amritpal Singh is being given the image of Bhindranwale 2.0?

According to reports, Amritpal is a follower of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a prominent figure in the Khalistan movement who died during Operation Blue Star in 1984. Like Bhindranwale, Amritpal wears a blue turban and carries a small sword while giving provocative speeches in his white clothing, which has made him popular among radical Sikh youth. As a result, he has been referred to as Bhindranwale 2.0. Amritpal also visits villages in Punjab to discuss issues related to freedom and Sikhism, but there are allegations that he is inciting people in the name of Khalistan.

Amritpal has gained a following on social media due to his speeches, but he has also been embroiled in several controversies. He has been accused of theft and kidnapping in the past, and last year he made headlines when his supporters set fire to chairs at the Model Town Gurudwara in Jalandhar. Amritpal argued that providing chairs and sofas for worshippers in the Gurudwara was contrary to Sikh religious beliefs, which sparked outrage and resulted in damage to the Gurudwara.

Khalistan and Bhindranwale as a role model for Amritpal Singh

Amritpal is a vocal advocate of the Khalistan cause, which seeks an independent homeland for people who practise the Sikh faith. He has made numerous statements in which he openly supports Khalistan, stating that the idea should be considered from a geopolitical perspective and not viewed as immoral or unacceptable. Amritpal has emphasised that the sentiment for Khalistan will persist among the population and cannot be suppressed. He has also made it clear that the movement is not requesting approval from Powerful Politicians in Delhi and various political parties.

Sikh Youth Campaigning

After being initiated, Amritpal Singh launched a campaign to encourage young people to renounce drugs and an irreligious lifestyle. He urged them to go to Sikh temples to receive baptism (amrit-sanchaar). His efforts were commended by religious authorities, with an official from the Akal Takht reporting that Amritpal's campaign resulted in over 1,000 people attending for baptism, compared to the usual 200 on a typical Sunday. Amritpal has also travelled to remote areas of Sikhism, including Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan and locations in Haryana, where he has attracted followers from far-flung places like Delhi, Maharashtra, and Jammu.

In November 2022, he commenced a Khalsa Vaheer journey across Punjab to inspire young people to adopt the Khalsa (pure Sikh order) faith. The journey lasted for a month and began in Amritsar and ended in Anandpur Sahib. His supporters accompanied him during the procession, carrying automatic guns and bullets. He reportedly preached radical beliefs that glorified violence and weapons. It's been reported that by the end of December, he had baptised over 3,000 young people, allegedly with the aim of inducting them into Khalistan activism.

Drugs de-addiction centres reality uncovered

Previous governments have been unsuccessful in resolving issues pertaining to drug addiction in youth. According to a study conducted by the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in 2022, drug addiction and abuse are major concerns in Punjab, with approximately 15.4% of the state's 30 million inhabitants being narcotic users.

Amritpal Singh established a drug rehabilitation centre, which has gained immense popularity among the masses. It's believed that his direct approach to addressing social problems, especially the drug menace, had contributed to his popularity. According to Indian security agencies, despite portraying himself as a person who opposes drugs, he had connections with individuals in Dubai and London who were engaged in drug trafficking in Punjab. He was believed to have utilised his drug rehabilitation centres as safe havens and storage facilities for weapons smuggled from Pakistan with the help of drones.

As per report coverage of India today, he actually turned drug addicts into militants and from his drug centres lots of illegal firearms were recovered by Punjab Police. Further, many police officers in Punjab believe that in the name of rehabilitation centres for drug addicts he was actually planning to make the Anandpur Khalsa Force (AKF) by misleading innocent people into joining him.

Ajnala Place Clashes

A man reported to the Ajnala police station in February 2023 that he had been abducted and physically assaulted by individuals associated with Amritpal. Following the complaint, an FIR was filed against Amritpal and his accomplices. One of his close associates, Lovepreet Singh "Toofan," was apprehended by the police.

Amritpal gave an "ultimatum" to Punjab Police to drop the charges after his arrest. However, when the police did not respond, his supporters used automatic guns and sharp weapons to break through police barricades and enter the police complex. They carried the Guru Granth Sahib in a palki sahib and used it as a cover to deceive and force the police into submission. The attack resulted in several police personnel being injured and police vehicles being damaged. After the court ordered his release based on the police report, Punjab Police later released Lovepreet Singh.

Mass Crackdown launched for Amritpal Singh and other arrests made

The Punjab Police detained several individuals for questioning and arrested 78 people associated with Waris Punjab De on 18 March. Amritpal Singh, who was reportedly on the run, had planned a Khalsa Vaheer programme from Muktsar district the next day. In their pursuit to capture him, the police erected roadblocks in the region and chased him by car, but he managed to evade them. During the chase, he changed his clothes and switched cars to avoid detection before eventually escaping on a motorcycle. It is alleged that Amritpal Singh, along with his uncle and an associate, threatened a sarpanch's family and forcibly stayed at their house.

Waris Punjab De submitted a petition for habeas corpus in the Punjab High Court, claiming that he had been unlawfully detained by the police. The Punjab government refuted this allegation and informed the High Court that they were on the verge of apprehending Amritpal Singh. Amritpal and four of his group members were charged under the National Security Act (NSA).

Internet services shut-down and Twitter accounts were put on hold

Over the weekend, mobile internet and text messaging services were temporarily suspended in Punjab, affecting around 27 million individuals. The suspension was lifted on March 21st in most areas, though certain districts faced extended restrictions until March 23rd. Additionally, Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code was implemented in Chandigarh, prohibiting gatherings of more than four people. The Indian government also made a request to Twitter to withhold 122 accounts that were associated with Amritpal Singh or Waris Punjab De. Despite the fact that many of these accounts had no connection to Amritpal or Waris Punjab De, they were still withheld.

On March 29, Amritpal Singh posted a video after being in hiding for 11 days, where he called upon the Sikh community to come together for a Sarbat Khalsa.

International Reaction

Canada

A group of Vancouver-based individuals who have connections to India's Punjab region assembled in the city centre to wave flags, chant slogans, and hear speeches criticising the Indian government for its alleged repressive actions aimed at detaining a prominent separatist movement activist. The demonstration in Vancouver occurred at the Consulate General of India located on Howe Street in the downtown area. People assembled there for several hours from 1 p.m. onwards.

There is a growing presence and influence of Sikh separatist groups in countries such as Canada, the UK, and the United States, which have significant Sikh communities. These groups are gaining momentum and expanding their reach. In Canada, Sikhs make up around 1.4% of the population, equivalent to approximately 500,000 individuals. They are also becoming a significant political force, with many Sikh politicians now representing both federal and local constituencies.

Jagmeet Singh, the leader of Canada's New Democratic Party, expressed worry about the Punjab police's extensive crackdown in the region, which resulted in the suspension of internet services, in an effort to apprehend self-proclaimed Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh. He has requested Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's involvement and referred to the "draconian measures," which have been linked to extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances during the 1984 Sikh Genocide, as unsettling for many.

United Kingdom

Beginning at Parliament Square, which is located in front of the British Parliament building, the demonstrators ultimately arrived at 10 Downing Street, which serves as the official dwelling of the British Prime Minister. These two places are commonly crowded and are preferred spots for protestors. The protestors disseminated leaflets and conversed with the public regarding various issues, including the suspension of internet services in Punjab and the police arrest and suppression of Amritpal Singh.

Following the violent incident at the Indian High Commission on March 19th 2023, where an individual climbed to the balcony, caused damage to the windows, and removed the Indian flag, one individual was apprehended by the authorities. However, sources claim that this person was not responsible for scaling the walls. The Metropolitan Police have since released this individual on bail.

The protesters remained outside 10 Downing Street, but their demonstration was interrupted by an anti-vaccine protest that occurred on the street connecting parliament to 10 Downing Street and Whitehall, where various government offices are located.

United States

A group of people who support the creation of Khalistan gathered at the Embassy of India in Washington DC to hold a protest. However, their actions went beyond peaceful protest and they resorted to violence. In addition, they specifically targeted Taranjit Singh Sandhu, who serves as the Ambassador of India to the United States. It appears that their intention was to replicate previous attacks on Indian missions in London and San Francisco.

Nevertheless, the attempts made by Khalistan supporters were prevented by the US Secret Service and law enforcement officials. In addition, they harassed reporters who were reporting on the incident and verbally and physically attacked Lalit K Jha, a respected Indian journalist who serves as the Chief US Correspondent for Press Trust of India (PTI) and provides coverage on Washington DC and the White House.

The advocates of Khalistan waved flags and used loudspeakers to express their opposition towards the Government of India and Ambassador Sandhu.

Conclusion

In the end, it can be concluded that the activities in Punjab are ultimately affecting the image of India at international level. Sikhs soldiers and warriors have made many sacrifices for India in Past and have stayed forever with India. They have been loyal to their motherland. Since, India is a country that has an enormous amount of diversity and many religions surviving together in the same land ; presenting the best example of secularism and United country. With at least 18 major languages and more than 400 significant dialects, India is a land that has given rise to four of the world’s major religions, and is home to the world's second-largest Muslim population. Christianity was welcomed in India long before it was embraced in Europe, and India has always offered shelter to those fleeing religious persecution.

In addition, Indian society comprises over 4,000 ethnic communities, castes, and endogamous groups, making it a truly multi-religious, multi-linguistic, multi-ethnic, and multi-regional civilization without inequality. Thus, the only way forward for India is through secularism, where every religion and religious community is given the necessary space to survive and respect one another. Considering in Punjab activities where demanding of separate nation i.e. “Khalistan” will be leading to a beginning of disintegration of India and such steps shouldn't happen. Indian Citizens whether Punjabi (Sikhs), Muslim, Hindus, Christians, Parsis and other religions should stand united in tough times because a lot of effort was taken up by our freedom fighters and our great grandfathers in making India free from British rule. Also, our most respected freedom fighter Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel applied effort in national integration and together tied India making it into the best example of a largest democracy in front of the whole world.

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