The Sikh diaspora, spread across countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia, has long played a significant role in the political, religious, and cultural affairs of the Sikh community worldwide. One of the most contentious and polarizing issues within this diaspora is the idea of Khalistan—an independent Sikh homeland carved out of India’s Punjab region. While some sections of the diaspora passionately support the Khalistan movement, others firmly oppose it, advocating instead for integration, peace, and progress within the framework of existing democratic systems.
Supporters of Khalistan in the diaspora often trace their sentiments to the traumatic events of 1984—the anti-Sikh riots in India following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The violence and perceived state complicity deeply scarred many Sikhs, prompting a sense of alienation and injustice. Diaspora-based advocacy groups emerged in the aftermath, particularly in countries with significant Sikh populations. These supporters argue that Sikhs have a distinct religious, cultural, and linguistic identity, and that the Indian state has failed to protect their rights. They view Khalistan as a necessary step toward safeguarding Sikh heritage and ensuring political autonomy.
Diaspora activism in support of Khalistan often includes organizing referendums, rallies, and political lobbying. In recent years, movements such as “Referendum 2020” have drawn attention globally, with events hosted in cities like London, Toronto, and San Francisco. Proponents often use digital media and international platforms to raise awareness about alleged human rights violations in Punjab, portraying Khalistan not as a separatist movement but as a civil rights struggle.
Conversely, a significant portion of the Sikh diaspora strongly opposes the Khalistan movement. These individuals argue that the demand for a separate state is not only impractical but also detrimental to the global image of Sikhs as a peaceful and hard-working community. Many fear that supporting Khalistan could associate the community with extremism and militancy, especially given the history of violence during the 1980s insurgency in Punjab. They emphasise that Sikhs have prospered in democratic countries and can continue to thrive within India by working toward reform and justice through legal and political means.
Moreover, critics point out that much of the Khalistan discourse is driven by diaspora voices far removed from the realities on the ground in Punjab. They question the legitimacy of external agitation in shaping the region’s future, especially when many residents in Punjab today prioritize economic development, education, and social stability over political secession. For these members of the diaspora, reconciliation, dialogue, and unity are more constructive than separatism.
The debate over Khalistan within the Sikh diaspora is complex and multifaceted. It is shaped by historical grievances, generational differences, political developments in India and abroad, and the evolving identity of Sikhs living outside their ancestral homeland. While some see the call for Khalistan as a form of justice and cultural survival, others view it as a relic of the past that hampers progress and integration.
What remains clear is that the Sikh diaspora continues to be a politically active and influential community. Whether advocating for human rights in India or working to build cross-cultural bridges in their adopted countries, Sikhs across the globe are contributing to a broader dialogue about identity, justice, and the future of their community—both within Punjab and beyond.