Recently, a Khalistani terrorist named Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, based in the United States, filed a case against the Indian government. He accused key Indian officials, including the National Security Advisor and the Chief of RAW, of attempting to assassinate him in America. India responded by dismissing these allegations as baseless, stating they would not entertain such unfounded claims.

However, this case brings to light a larger issue: the toolkit or playbook being used by foreign countries like the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Pakistan to fuel the Khalistan movement. These nations, particularly Canada, the UK, and the U.S., have strategically promoted Khalistani sentiments for geopolitical leverage. Here’s how their toolkit works, and how it’s contributing to the rise of radicalization among the Sikh diaspora.

The Global Strategy Behind Khalistan

The strategy starts with these countries identifying Sikhs from Punjab who have moved abroad, particularly to Canada, for asylum, jobs, and better opportunities. Once they settle, some are carefully selected and given prominence, such as Gurpatwant Singh Pannu. These selected individuals are mobilized to lead vocal protests and promote the pro-Khalistan narrative on platforms like Instagram. But these efforts don’t stop at social media—they are backed by intelligence agencies such as the CIA in the U.S., MI5 in the UK, and Canada’s National Intelligence.

These agencies help organize protests in places like San Francisco, Surrey in Canada, and London, providing logistical and financial support. Pannu’s leadership is showcased to create an illusion of a mass movement, but it’s a carefully orchestrated campaign designed to destabilize India from abroad.

Radicalization Through Culture and Music

One of the most sinister aspects of this playbook is how foreign powers have hijacked cultural platforms, particularly the Punjabi music industry. The Poetic Justice Foundation, closely associated with Jagmeet Singh of Canada’s New Democratic Party and activist Anita Lal, has played a significant role in this. Since 2010-2011, the foundation has manipulated the Punjabi music scene, popularizing songs that glorify violence, drugs, and arms.

Why is this important? Today’s youth are heavily influenced by music, and by promoting songs filled with radical and destructive messages, the foundation has successfully radicalized a segment of the Punjabi youth. Artists like Badshah, with their oversized clothes and glorification of guns and drugs, serve as a tool to disconnect youth from their cultural roots. This cultural infiltration is a powerful way to spread radical ideas and push young people toward a separatist ideology.

The Drug Economy and Pakistan’s Role

While the U.S., Canada, and the UK play their parts in radicalizing the Sikh diaspora, Pakistan plays another dangerous game. Since the 1980s, Pakistan has been flooding Punjab with drugs as part of a larger strategy to weaken the region. The drug epidemic, which has plagued Punjab for decades, is exacerbated by the radicalization efforts taking place online and through music.

The combination of drugs, violent music, and separatist propaganda creates a toxic environment where young people in Punjab see no future. Many seek to leave the country, either through legal means like education and employment or illegally. And this is where the second part of the toolkit comes into play.

Exploiting Illegal Migration

Countries like the U.S., Canada, and the UK have crafted policies that allow illegal migrants to enter, knowing that they can later be used as political pawns. Once these migrants, particularly from Punjab, enter illegally, they are often given a choice: face legal punishment or work for the intelligence agencies and support the Khalistan cause. By exploiting these vulnerable individuals, foreign powers are able to expand their base of support for the Khalistan movement.

Radicalization in Gurudwaras

Another key component of the Khalistan toolkit is the control of foreign Gurudwaras. Intelligence agencies in these countries have been working to infiltrate and radicalize these religious institutions. For example, in Surrey, Canada, Prabh Ka Singh Dulai, head of the Dasmesh Sahib Gurudwara, has been known to glorify terrorists like Talwinder Singh Parmar, the mastermind behind the 1985 Air India bombing. By using Gurudwaras as platforms for radical speeches, they aim to further radicalize the Sikh diaspora.

This tactic not only spreads separatist ideas but also instills fear within the Sikh community. Anyone who dares to oppose the Khalistan movement risks becoming a target. This was the case with Ripudaman Singh Malik, a former Khalistani who renounced the cause and spoke out against it. In 2022, he was killed by former sympathizers, sending a chilling message to anyone considering leaving or opposing the Khalistan movement.

Creating Fear and Division

The ultimate goal of this playbook is to create divisions between Hindus and Sikhs, both within India and abroad. By fostering hate and encouraging violence, these foreign powers hope to create enough instability to weaken India’s internal unity. Pakistan’s drug economy plays a parallel role, while individuals like Pannu continue to receive support from the U.S. government to run propaganda campaigns from abroad.

However, it’s important to note that the Khalistan movement does not have widespread support among Sikhs. According to a Pew Center survey, more than 80% of Punjabis have no interest in Khalistan. The problem lies in the fact that the small but vocal group of Khalistani supporters abroad has been amplified by foreign media and political interests, giving the false impression that the entire Sikh community supports the cause.

Countering the Khalistan Agenda

Pannu’s recent case against the Indian government, filed just before the Prime Minister’s visit to the U.S., was a calculated move designed to reignite and exploit fault lines. However, the solution to this growing menace lies in unity and strategic countermeasures.

One of the most effective ways to combat the Khalistan agenda is by strengthening the bond between Hindus and Sikhs. The Indian government must work closely with Gurudwara leaders, who have more influence over the Sikh community than politicians. By engaging with these leaders and reinforcing the message that the Sikh community stands united with India, the Indian government can weaken the Khalistan narrative.

At the same time, India’s intelligence agencies, particularly RAW, must take proactive steps to counter foreign influence. For instance, just as Canada promotes separatism in India, India could support Quebec’s separatist movements in Canada. The Bloc Québécois party, which advocates for Quebec’s independence, represents a potential fault line that India could exploit in response.

Exposing Foreign Support for Terrorism

It’s also time for India to expose the foreign politicians and officials, both in the U.S. and Canada, who shelter and support individuals like Pannu. By publicly presenting evidence of their involvement in fueling separatism and destabilizing India, India can shift global perception and build stronger international support against Khalistan.

Ultimately, while the Khalistan toolkit is well-funded and carefully orchestrated, it is not invincible. Through unity, strategic diplomacy, and a strong counter-narrative, India can ensure that individuals like Pannu and their foreign backers fail in their attempts to divide the nation.

Conclusion

The Khalistan movement is not just a fringe ideology but a well-coordinated effort supported by foreign powers to destabilize India. By radicalizing the Sikh diaspora, exploiting illegal migrants, and infiltrating cultural and religious platforms, these nations are using the Khalistan narrative to serve their geopolitical interests. However, through stronger domestic unity and an assertive foreign policy, India can counter this toolkit and protect its national integrity.