'Sikh Struggle Documents 1920-2022' by Jagtar Singh chronicles a century of Sikh political discourse and Khalistan movement
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, February 26, 2025: A new book, 'Sikh Struggle Documents 1920-2022' by Jagtar Singh, offers an in-depth exploration of Sikh religio-political history, focusing on the evolution of the Khalistan movement and its impact on India’s geopolitics.
At a time when the Khalistan narrative continues to influence international relations—especially in the wake of tensions between India and Canada—the book traces the origins of the demand for a sovereign Sikh state.
The idea first emerged in 1940, in response to the Muslim League’s Pakistan Resolution, and later gained attention in the 1946 elections when the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) contested with Congress under a limited alliance. Despite the demand, the concept failed to gain widespread electoral support.
The 680-page volume is based on original documents, including historical constitutions of SAD, speeches of Akali leaders, and manifestos spanning decades. It highlights how Sikh political aspirations have shaped Punjab’s governance, the struggle for autonomy, and the broader religio-political discourse.
The book also examines the violent conflicts of the 1980s, during which nearly 35,000 lives were lost, and how these events influenced Sikh diaspora activism, particularly in Canada.
It sheds light on how Khalistan remains a point of contention in global politics, with recent incidents, such as the attempted assassination of Sikhs for Justice leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, keeping the issue alive.
Jagtar Singh, known for his previous works on the Sikh struggle, provides a meticulously researched account that contextualizes the Khalistan debate from the early 20th century to contemporary times.
His book serves as an invaluable resource for scholars, policymakers, and anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of Sikh political history.