KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
09-Sep-1981
The chief editor of Hind Samachar, Lala Jagat Narain shot dead near Ladowal village in Ludhiana. A strong critic of the Khalistan movement, he had survived an earlier assassination attempt in January 1981.
27-Aug-1981
During the visitors’ gathering session at Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Dal Khalsa activists headed by Satnam Singh raise pro-Khalistan slogans.
15-Aug-1981
Around 20 Dal Khalsa volunteers hoist a “Nishan Kesari” flag at Sector 22-D Gurudwara and Manji Sahib in Amritsar, and subsequently in Ludhiana and Jalandhar, where they also raise pro-Khalistan slogans. .
26-Jul-1981
During the World Sikh Convention in Amritsar, Gajinder Singh, a Panch of Dal Khalsa and his associates distribute pro-Khalistan literature.
12-Jul-1981
The working committee of AISSF expresses resentment over anti-Sikh articles published in the Jalandhar based vernacular papers, especially one belonging to Lala Jagat Narain. Narain asked to apologize by August 22 or face dire consequences..
23-May-1981
SGPC President Gurcharan Singh Tohra demands holy status for Amritsar and the closure of all tobacco, cigarette and liquor shops in the city.
20-Mar-1981
Dal Khalsa workers raise pro-Khalistan slogans during the 54th Sikh educational conference at Chandigarh.
20-Mar-1981
Around 85 Dal Khalsa volunteers take out a procession demanding the creation of Khalistan at Anandpur Sahib in Amritsar.
01-Feb-1981
Dal Khalsa organizes a joint-seminar with senior Sikh Sophisticates’ Forum in support of Khalistan at Panchayat Bhawan in Chandigarh.
07-Dec-1980
A meeting convened by Balbir Singh Sandhu decides to woo students in favour of Khalistan. Sandhu assigned the task of establishing contact with various educational institutions by liaising with AISSF (All India Sikh Students’ Federation) and Khalistan Mukti Morcha.
05-Dec-1980
In a meeting held at Guru Nanak Niwas in Amritsar, Balbir Singh Sandhu decides to organize route marches and intensify the propaganda for the creation of Khalistan. A 151-member Khalistan Council (100 from Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab and 51 from foreign countries), headed by Jagjit Singh Chouhan is also announced.
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.