Punjab, Mar 18: India’s northern state of Punjab suffered huge losses in the decade-long militancy in the 1980s. However, by the mid-1990s, the Khalistan movement appeared to have splintered and eventually faded away. Punjab suffered heavy losses both in terms of social and financial means. The recent terrorist attacks in Dinanagar and Pathankot areas of Punjab indicates help from an insider in carrying out the attack. Security agencies fear revival of militancy in the state. The Khalistan movement had garnered enough support from the Sikh Diaspora in Britain, the U.S. and Canada. Paramjit Singh Pamma, a Khalistani militant walked free after remaining in detention for nearly two months after the Portugal government turned down India’s plea to extradite him. Before his arrest by the Portugal police on December 18, 2015, Pamma was living in the UK after being granted political asylum in 2000. However, experts feel his release would hardly affect the dwindling support for Khalistan. Khalistan-led militancy that peaked in late 1970s and 1980s claimed hundreds of lives. The increased vigilance by security forces and the confidence building measures adopted by the Sikh community helped in rooting out the Khalistan movement.
