The Parallels Between Akali and Khalistan Movements And their Applicability in the current Farmer movement
A closer look at Akali Movement of 1919-1925 reveals a close parallel with the Khalistani Movement and even the current Farmer Protests.
A closer look at Akali Movement of 1919-1925 reveals a close parallel with the Khalistani Movement and even the current Farmer Protests.
Akali Movement of 1919-1925 which resulted in seizure of Gurudwaras and forced transfer of power to Keshdhari Sikhs(mostly Jats) was a culmination of the decades of strife in Punjab which started with the rise of Singh Sabhas in 1870s. This puritanical and orthodox neo-Sikh movement hinged on the point “Hindus are not Sikhs” and aimed at capturing the whole public space from other sects of Sikhs – especially the Sahajdharis like the Udasis. On a closer look, the dynamics of the movement exactly match those of the dynamics of Khalistan movement, and to some extent, the current Farm Protest troubles.
This makes one question if this sequence of events is inherent to the Sikh way of life and can be excited at the drop of a hat by anyone who knows how to play well.
It is important to observe how the movements faded as well. Both the movements(in fact, even the current farmer protests) started with a promise, gathered massive ground support antagonizing the governments, a violent showdown and loss of popular interest due to continuous protests without achieving anything tangible – the same state current farmer protests are in.
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