Amrit Pal Singh, a prominent leader of the Khalistani movement, played a significant role in shaping the separatist movement in Punjab. His contributions to the movement have earned him a notorious reputation in the region and beyond.
Singh rose to prominence in the 2022 when the Khalistani movement again gained momentum in Punjab. He founded AKF, an organization that aimed to establish an independent Sikh state in Punjab separate from India. Singh's leadership skills and tactical expertise helped him rise through the ranks of the AKF, and he eventually became operational commander of the group.
Singh's influence on the Khalistani movement can be attributed to his ability to recruit new members and establish a network of supporters and sympathizers. He was a charismatic and persuasive figure who was able to gain the trust and loyalty of many young Sikhs who were disillusioned with the Indian government's treatment of the Sikh community. He encouraged the youth to join the Khalistani movement and offered them a sense of purpose and belonging.
Because of his contributions to the Khalistani movement, his legacy continues to inspire some Sikhs who advocate for an independent Sikh state in India.
This new generation of Khalistani separatists has emerged in Punjab, including Amritpal Singh Sandhu, a self-styled Sikh preacher and leader of the organization Waris Punjab De ("Heirs of Punjab"). Sandhu returned to Punjab in September 2022 after living in Dubai for a decade and took charge of the organization following the death of its previous leader Deep Sidhu. He campaigned for six months, advocating for a pure form of Sikhism and the need for a Sikh state Khalistan. He also allegedly raised a private militia called Anandpur Khalsa Fauj (AKF) from among his followers, who carried firearms and wore bullet-proof vests.
Sandhu's influence on the Khalistani movement has been controversial, with Indian authorities accusing him of maintaining close contacts with the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and attempting to raise a militia including suicide bombers. Following a crackdown by the police in March 2023, Sandhu is currently a wanted fugitive in India.
In conclusion, the influence of Amrit Pal Singh on the Khalistani movement in Punjab was significant, particularly in the 2023. His leadership, recruitment skills, and tactical expertise helped shape the movement and inspire a new generation of Khalistani separatists like Amritpal Singh Sandhu. However, the use of violence and militancy to achieve their goals has also brought criticism and controversy to the movement.