Explained: How the Khalistan movement is interlinked with Punjab's growing drug problem, gun culture

The rift in diplomatic ties between India and Canada has led to a temporary suspension of visa services for Canadians and the expulsion of diplomats from both countries. However, the place worst hit by the disturbances caused by the Khalistan movement is Punjab.

Sparked in its full potential by Jarnail Singh Bhindrenwale, the Khalistan movement was seen as a wave among the Sikh community to fix the wrongdoings of the anti-Sikh riots of 1984. While the real objective of the Khalistan movement fizzled out, what remains is the rising insurgency and the promotion of gang culture which is now enveloping Punjab.

Emerging from a wave of the Khalistan movement – demanding a separate nation for the Sikh community – is the gang culture in Punjab which echoes the words of Bhindranwale and has resorted to violence not just in India, but in nations like Canada, UK, and the US.

The gang culture in Punjab has had political backing for several decades. While many politicians and notable personalities urged the youth of Punjab to keep at least one weapon at home for their protection, the ‘gunda raaj’ soon took over the state.

Pro-Khalistan leaders resorted to illegal activities such as arms and drug supply to fund their movement overseas, the brunt of which is being faced by Punjab. The state has seen an increased amount of arms being procured illegally through Pakistan over the last few years, according to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The drug and substance abuse situation in Punjab has also worsened gradually, with the number of substance abuse-related deaths seeing a 130 percent spike in the year 2023, according to data provided by the Punjab Police to the High Court.

The prime reason for this is several pro-Khalistan outfits running drug de-addiction centres in the state as a front for their illegal activities and the increase of drug supply through bordering countries. Punjab has now become the number three state for having the most drug-related FIRs, after Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Health, there is a prevalence of substance abuse in the youth of Punjab of up to 65 percent, majority of whom are susceptible to fall prey to alcohol and heroine abuse due to the high supply.

The gradual increase in drug culture has given rise to an increase gun violence rate in Punjab and vice versa, birthing an unending cycle of disturbance in the state due to the Khalistan movement.

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