ABSTRACT
From 1978 until 1993, India waged a counterinsurgency (COIN) campaign in the northern state of Punjab against Sikh extremists who sought to create an independent state for Sikhs called Khalistan. This chapter analyzes India’s experience in addressing the Sikh insurgency in Punjab, which proved one of the more costly COIN efforts India has fought in terms of lives lost and impact on national political life. India’s experience waging COIN in Punjab is a sobering tale with, fortunately, a positive outcome. In many respects, the trajectory of Sikh sentiments from a desire for autonomy within India to an independent state could have been prevented, but a series of factors, including the petty machinations of political parties, the cynical exploitation of religion by extremist leaders, and decrepit governance capabilities, converged to produce this tragic episode. Indian politicians and leaders of security forces made many mistakes that COIN teachings in India and beyond counsel against. Eventually, an effective strategy emerged, which, when applied with vigor, proved effective against Sikh insurgency and terrorism.
