Akhtar Hussain Sandhu, an expert on Sikh studies, has recorded a program on Pak-India War and Khalistan which was broadly discussed in different academic and political circles
Many brief comments came but a comprehensive response came from Prof. Kashif Firaz Ahmad, Writer, Trainer, media person and analyst. Here is his note on the Khalistan and Pak-India War.
In the wake of recent tensions between Pakistan and India, Dr. Akhtar Hussain Sandhu presented a deeply thought-provoking and historically grounded analysis on his YouTube channel. His reflections focused on the long-standing aspirations of the Sikh community for a separate homeland—Khalistan—and highlighted two key reasons why this dream remains unfulfilled:
- A lack of internal unity among the Sikh community
- The absence of strong, steadfast, and visionary leadership
Dr. Sandhu’s observations deserve recognition for their depth and realism. History, as he rightly suggests, is not shaped by mere aspirations—it demands strategic thinking, collective unity, disciplined movements, and dynamic leadership. In 1947, as the Indian subcontinent underwent a monumental partition, the Sikh nation stood at a historic crossroads. Not only did they have the opportunity to assert a distinct identity, but geographically, the land of Punjab—adjacent to the newly formed Pakistan—also offered a plausible base for an independent state.
However, that crucial moment passed. The internal fragmentation of the Sikh community and the lack of a cohesive leadership structure meant that the opportunity was lost. The dream of Khalistan faded into historical memory rather than becoming a political reality. Dr. Sandhu’s insight that such opportunities arise once in decades—perhaps every 40 to 50 years—is rooted in historical patterns. Movements for self-determination are often intergenerational struggles. They require maturity, resilience, and above all, an unwavering commitment to organized and principled resistance. Without unity and vision, even the noblest of causes can falter.
While Dr. Sandhu’s analysis is marked by historical depth and intellectual clarity, adding the following perspectives might enrich the conversation further:
The Role of Global Powers: The silence or strategic calculations of influential nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Russia played a pivotal role in the marginalization of the Khalistan movement. A discussion of international diplomacy and realpolitik can provide a broader context for understanding its stagnation.
Lack of Economic Blueprint: No separatist or nationalist movement can sustain itself without a robust economic vision. The Khalistan movement, while emotionally resonant, lacked a concrete roadmap for financial viability and state-building.
The Sikh Diaspora Factor: With millions of Sikhs settled across Canada, the UK, the US, and Australia, the global Sikh community holds considerable political, financial, and intellectual capital. Exploring how this diaspora could have—or still can—play a decisive role in shaping or reviving the movement is essential for a holistic understanding.
Scholars like Dr. Akhtar Hussain Sandhu play an essential role in helping societies understand their political realities through the lens of history. His ability to connect contemporary developments with historical precedents not only informs public discourse but also encourages critical thinking among the youth.
His analysis carries not just value for the Sikh community but also offers important lessons for other marginalized or aspiring nationalist movements around the world. The reminder is clear: unity, discipline, and credible leadership remain the cornerstones of any successful quest for self-determination.
I deeply appreciate Dr. Sandhu’s selfless intellectual contributions and encourage him to continue his invaluable work with the same seriousness, impartiality, and intellectual integrity. History must not only be studied—it must be understood, interpreted, and passed on with sincerity and vision. That responsibility rests in capable hands like his.
Writer:
Prof. Kashif Firaz Ahmad