CHANDIGARH: The ongoing general elections in Punjab have been marked by an exceptional influx of pro-Khalistani leaders which is raising concerns over national security.
The ongoing Lok Sabha elections in Punjab witness the participation of pro-Khalistani leaders and it is raising significant concerns about national security. Candidates with historical ties to the Khalistani movement, such as Simranjit Singh Mann, Sandeep Singh, Sarabjit Singh Khalsa, and Amritpal Singh, among others, have entered the electoral arena.
“Despite their participation in the electoral process, the candidacy of pro-Khalistani leaders raises questions about their allegiance to the Indian state and the potential implications for communal harmony and law enforcement. Their advocacy for separatism challenges the foundational principles of India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, posing broader implications for the nation’s security apparatus,” said Rishi Kalia, a political analyst hailing from Mohali.
The ongoing Lok Sabha elections in Punjab have been marked by an exceptional influx of pro-Khalistani leaders, stirring significant apprehension not only at the regional level but also raising national security concerns. Amidst the traditional political contenders like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) vying for seats, the presence of candidates with historical ties to the Khalistani movement has added a complex dimension to the electoral landscape.
It is a sheer irony that Amritpal Singh, the jailed head of the pro-Khalistan outfit Waris Punjab De, will contest the Lok Sabha elections from Punjab’s Khadoor Sahib seat. However, as per Section 62(5) of the RP Act, 1951, he will be barred from casting his vote in the upcoming elections, much like other accused individuals in prisons across India. This scenario is not conducive to democracy. These individuals, who do not subscribe to the principles of the Indian constitution and advocate for a separate Khalistani state, are contesting in the elections. Their presence has added complexity to the political landscape of Punjab, stirring apprehensions not only at the regional level but also raising concerns about national security,” says Sanchit Singh Gupta, a political analyst from Chandigarh
Scheduled for 1st June 2024, the final phase of polling in the general elections, this electoral contest has seen the emergence of notable figures such as Simranjit Singh Mann, Sandeep Singh, Sarabjit Singh Khalsa, and Amritpal Singh, among others.
Simranjit Singh Mann, presently serving as an MP from Sangrur, from Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) has publicly championed pro-Khalistani sentiments, advocating for the establishment of a separate nation. In a shocking admission, he disclosed accepting remuneration in exchange for issuing counterfeit certificates to individuals seeking political asylum for their pro-Khalistani stance. The Simranjit Singh Mann-led party fielded his son Emaan Singh Mann from the Amritsar seat and Harpal Singh Baler from Khadoor Sahib. Bhupinder Singh Bhullar, whom the SAD (Amritsar) fielded from the Ferozepur Lok Sabha seat, is a retired inspector of the Punjab Police.
Amritpal Singh, a pro-Khalistani, garnered attention after assuming leadership of the Waris Punjab De organization after the demise of another prominent pro-Khalistani leader, Deep Sidhu. His ascendancy has drawn comparisons to Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a pivotal figure in the Khalistani movement during the 1980s, hinting at a resurgence of extremist ideologies, is going to contest the election independently from Khadoor Sahib. Khadoor Sahib seat is known for hardliners.
Sandeep Singh, closely associated with Amritpal Singh, currently finds himself behind bars for his alleged involvement in the murder of Shiv Sena Taksali leader Sudhir Suri. His association with pro-Khalistani sentiments underscores the simmering tensions prevalent within the region. He also announced to contest the election independently from Amritsar.
Sarabjit Singh Khalsa, the offspring of Beant Singh, the assassin of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has also thrown his hat into the electoral ring from Faridkot. Despite encountering defeat in prior Lok Sabha elections, his familial connections to esteemed political figures underscore the deep-seated nature of pro-Khalistani sentiments within Punjab’s political sphere.
The burgeoning presence of pro-Khalistani elements within the electoral landscape poses multifaceted challenges, particularly in terms of national security and communal harmony. Their advocacy for separatism not only challenges India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity but also threatens to disrupt communal tranquility within the region.
Moreover, their potential ascension to Parliament blurs the line between criminal activities and political aspirations, thereby posing broader implications for law and order. Given Punjab’s tumultuous history with insurgency, the proliferation of pro-Khalistani leaders could exacerbate existing tensions and pose significant challenges for law enforcement agencies at both the state and national levels.