Why did Sikhs want a separate state in Punjab?

In late 1930s and 1940s the Sikh leaders realized that Muslim Pakistan and a Hindu India were imminent. To make a case for a separate Sikh state within the Punjab, Sikh leaders started mobilizing meta-commentaries and signs to argue that Punjab belonged to Sikhs and Sikhs belong to Punjab.

What was the Sikh population in Pakistan in 1941?

The Sikh population, which had gone as high as 19.8\% in some Pakistani districts in 1941, dropped to 0.1\% in Pakistan, and rose sharply in the districts assigned to India. However, they would still be a minority in the Punjab province of India, which remained a Hindu-majority province.

Why is Punjabi banned in Pakistan?

Punjabis dominate the Pakistani state and society at all levels from politics, bureaucracy and the ubiquitous military to economics and culture. Despite the domination of Punjabis, Pakistan has employed Urdu as a medium of instruction since its inception. The teaching of Punjabi in schools is prohibited.

Why was Punjab divided into India and Pakistan?

British India was partitioned on a religious basis in 1947, where the Punjab province was divided between India and the newly-created Pakistan. As result, a majority of Sikhs, along with the Hindus, migrated from the Pakistani region to India’s Punjab, which included present-day Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.

Will the Khalistan partition movement return in Punjab?

The attack on the Nirankari Bhawan (November 19, 2018) in Punjab has once again brought back the apprehensions of the revival of the Khalistan separatist movement in Punjab.

When did Khalistan declare independence from Pakistan?

On 29 April 1986, an assembly of separatist Sikhs at the Akal Takht made a declaration of an independent state of Khalistan. These events were followed by a decade of violence and conflict in Punjab before a return to normality in the region.

Where did the calls for a sovereign Khalistan come from?

There are two distinct narratives about the origins of the calls for a sovereign Khalistan. One refers to the events within India itself, while the other privileges the role of the Sikh diaspora.

What was the Akali Dal’s position on Khalistan?

The Akali Dal’s maximal position of demands was a sovereign state (i.e. Khalistan), while its minimal position was to have an autonomous state within India. The issues raised during the Punjabi Suba movement were later used as a premise for the creation of a separate Sikh country by proponents of Khalistan.