Separatist Sikhs in Punjab have invoked references from Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama and former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf for inspiration to emerge as a legitimate political force and carry forth their “struggle” for an independent Sikh state.
Speakers at a two-day “political training camp” organised by the Dal Khalsa at the historic gurdwara of Fatehgarh Sahib near Chandigarh, quoted generously from Long Walk to Freedom, Freedom in Exile, In the Line of Fire and Donald T. Phillips’ Lincoln on Leadership while addressing the 35 odd participating activists on Sunday.
Making a significant departure from the Khashnikov brand of Khalistani separatism of the 1980’s and early 1990’s, Dal Khalsa leaders, who still hail the Pakistan-based 1984 Indian Airlines hijacker Gajinder Singh as their “hero,” sought to motivate their small but committed flock with references to Dalai Lama’s commitment to non-violence and his courage to struggle for freedom.
“The group sees the Dalai Lama’s example as a vindication of its own policy and standpoint,” senior Dal Khalsa spokesman Kanwar Pal Singh said, adding that “Sikh youth are equally impressed by Mr Mandela’s leadership qualities and his knowledge.”