Neo-Khalistan: Religious, Cultural, and the Political Revival of the Sikh Identity

Punjab’s history has been marked by turbulence both before and after India’s independence. In an environment filled with uncertainty, the Sikh minority has often felt marginalised in post-independence India, leading to several social movements advocating for recognition. One significant movement is the Khalistan movement, which triggered a prolonged insurgency in Punjab and marked one of the bloodiest periods in Indian history. This paper explores the Neo-Khalistan movement as a contemporary revival of Sikh religious, cultural, and political identity, extending beyond mere separatist aims. It traces the movement's roots to the Singh Sabha and Gurdwara Reform movements, illustrating how these historical initiatives have cultivated a unique Sikh consciousness that endures to this day. The study examines the shift from the 1980s Punjab insurgency to advocacy by the Sikh diaspora in countries like Canada, the UK, and the US. Organisations like Sikhs for Justice and the World Sikh Organisation are at the forefront of promoting Sikh rights and memory politics. The assassination of notable figures such as Hardeep Singh Nijjar highlights the escalating tensions between diaspora activism and the Indian government. This research argues that the Neo-Khalistan movement is motivated more by symbolic assertion and resistance to perceived cultural assimilation than by territorial ambitions. Ultimately, it concludes that the movement signifies a dynamic redefinition of Sikh identity in response to ongoing political marginalisation and historical grievances.