The attack has raised the concerns about new generation of separatists who operate from western countries. New Delhi has raised the issue with the UK, Canada and the US during the meetings of the joint working group on counter-terrorism cooperation. These countries are now beginning to realise the seriousness of the threat.
“India is a member of the committee which has always been against terrorism. Only India's cry against terrorism was not taken seriously till terrorism came at their doorsteps. And now western countries are realising how much it is important to curb international terrorism. So it is in this context also that India need to raise this issue of this international terrorism,” Shulka added.
Backed by Pakistan's ISI, Khalistani separatists want to create instability in Punjab. In 1980's and 90's Punjab suffered a lot, due to militancy that claimed almost 12000 lives. By keeping this Khalistan issue alive, the separatists also stand to gain as funds continue to flow in.
In the 1980s, some of the Khalistan proponents turned to militancy, resulting in counter-militancy operations by the Indian security forces. In Operation Blue Star, the Indian Army led by the General Kuldip Singh Brar forcibly entered the Harimandir Sahib (the Golden Temple) to overpower the armed militants and the religious leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. This incident had created a widespread criticism for the Indian Government and the then prime minister Indira Gandhi, and resulted in her assassination also.
These fresh attacks can be an example or threat of resurfacing of Khalistan movement, which refers to a global political secessionist movement seeking to create a separate Sikh country in Punjab.
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