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Jagjit Singh Chohan: Difference between revisions
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'''Jagjit Singh Chohan''' was the founder of the [[Khalistan movement]] that sought to create an independent Sikh state in the Punjab region of | '''Jagjit Singh Chohan''' was the founder of the [[Khalistan movement]] that sought to create an independent Sikh state in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. | ||
==Politics== | ==Politics== | ||
Jagjit Singh grew up in Tanda in [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]]'s [[Hoshiarpur]] district, about 180 km from [[Chandigarh]]. He was a dentist. Chohan was first elected to the Punjab Assembly from the Tanda as a candidate of the Republican Party of India in 1967. He became Deputy Speaker when the [[Akali Dal]]-led coalition Government took office in Punjab. When [[Lachhman Singh Gill]] became Chief Minister, Chohan was made Finance Minister. | Jagjit Singh grew up in Tanda in [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]]'s [[Hoshiarpur]] district, about 180 km from [[Chandigarh]]. He was a dentist. Chohan was first elected to the Punjab Assembly from the Tanda as a candidate of the Republican Party of India in 1967. He became Deputy Speaker when the [[Akali Dal]]-led coalition Government took office in Punjab. When [[Lachhman Singh Gill]] became Chief Minister, Chohan was made Finance Minister. In 1969, he lost the Assembly election. | ||
==Activity Overseas== | ==Activity Overseas== | ||
Two years after losing the Punjab Assembly elections in 1969, Chohan moved to the [[United Kingdom]] to start his campaign for creation of Khalistan. In 1971, he went to [[Nankana Sahib]] in [[Pakistan]] to attempt to set up a Sikh government.<ref name="NYT_Chohan_Dies"/> Chohan was invited by Pakistani army dictator [[Yahya Khan]] and was proclaimed as a Sikh leader. Certain Sikh relics that were in Pakistan were handed down to him and taken to UK. The relics had helped Chohan to gather Sikh supporters and followers. He then visited the United States at the invitation of his supporters among the Sikh diaspora.<ref name="Rediff_CIA">{{cite news |title=CIA, ISI encouraged Sikh terrorism: Ex-R&AW official |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/jul/26raw.htm |access-date=7 November 2018 |publisher=Rediff News |date=26 July 2007}}</ref> | Two years after losing the Punjab Assembly elections in 1969, Chohan moved to the [[United Kingdom]] to start his campaign for creation of Khalistan. In 1971, he went to [[Nankana Sahib]] in [[Pakistan]] to attempt to set up a Sikh government.<ref name="NYT_Chohan_Dies">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/11/world/asia/11chauhan.html?_r=1&fta=y&oref=slogin |title=Jagjit Singh Chauhan, Sikh Militant Leader in India, Dies at 80 |work=The New York Times|author=Haresh Pandya |access-date=28 August 2008 |date=11 April 2007}}</ref> Chohan was invited by Pakistani army dictator [[Yahya Khan]] and was proclaimed as a Sikh leader. Certain Sikh relics that were in Pakistan were handed down to him and taken to UK. The relics had helped Chohan to gather Sikh supporters and followers. He then visited the United States at the invitation of his supporters among the Sikh diaspora.<ref name="Rediff_CIA">{{cite news |title=CIA, ISI encouraged Sikh terrorism: Ex-R&AW official |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/jul/26raw.htm |access-date=7 November 2018 |publisher=Rediff News |date=26 July 2007}}</ref> | ||
On 13 October 1971, he | On 13 October 1971, he paid for an ad in the ''[[New York Times]]'' claiming an Independent Sikh state. Advertisement of Khalistan enabled him to collect millions of dollars from the [[Sikh diaspora]].<ref name="NYT_Chohan_Dies">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/11/world/asia/11chauhan.html?_r=1&fta=y&oref=slogin |title=Jagjit Singh Chauhan, Sikh Militant Leader in India, Dies at 80 |work=The New York Times|author=Haresh Pandya |access-date=28 August 2008 |date=11 April 2007}}</ref> | ||
In later part of 1970s, Chohan was in touch with the Pakistani diplomatic mission in Pakistan with objective of encouraging Sikh youths to travel to Pakistan for pilgrimage and indoctrination for separatist propaganda.<ref name="IT_1986_Pak">{{cite news |title=Pakistan involvement in Sikh terrorism in Punjab based on solid evidence: India |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/special-report/story/19860515-pakistan-involvement-in-sikh-terrorism-in-punjab-based-on-solid-evidence-india-800879-1986-05-15 |access-date=7 November 2018 |publisher=India Today |date=15 May 1986}}</ref> | In later part of 1970s, Chohan was in touch with the Pakistani diplomatic mission in Pakistan with objective of encouraging Sikh youths to travel to Pakistan for pilgrimage and indoctrination for separatist propaganda.<ref name="IT_1986_Pak">{{cite news |title=Pakistan involvement in Sikh terrorism in Punjab based on solid evidence: India |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/special-report/story/19860515-pakistan-involvement-in-sikh-terrorism-in-punjab-based-on-solid-evidence-india-800879-1986-05-15 |access-date=7 November 2018 |publisher=India Today |date=15 May 1986}}</ref> | ||
On 12 April 1980, he declared the formation of a "National Council of Khalistan", at [[Anandpur Sahib]].<ref>{{cite book | last = Nayar | first = Kuldip |author2=Kushwant Singh | title = Tragedy of Punjab | publisher = Vision Books | year = 1985 | page = 51 | isbn = 1-85127-069-8}}</ref> He declared himself the President of the Council and Balbir Singh Sandhu as its Secretary General. | On 12 April 1980, he declared the formation of a "National Council of Khalistan", at [[Anandpur Sahib]].<ref>{{cite book | last = Nayar | first = Kuldip |author2=Kushwant Singh | title = Tragedy of Punjab | publisher = Vision Books | year = 1985 | page = 51 | isbn = 1-85127-069-8}}</ref> He declared himself the President of the Council and Balbir Singh Sandhu as its Secretary General. | ||
In 1977, he returned to India. Chohan travelled to Britain in 1979, and established the [[Khalistan National Council]].<ref name="exile_Chief"> | In 1977, he returned to India. Chohan travelled to Britain in 1979, and established the [[Khalistan National Council]].<ref name="exile_Chief"> | ||
[http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/i/immigration_and_refugees/index.html?query=CHOHAN,%20JAGJIT%20SINGH&field=per&match=exact The New York Times, USA, "LONDON SIKH ASSUMES ROLE OF EXILE CHIEF"] 14 June 1984</ref><ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010628/main1.htm The Tribune, India, "Punjab caught on sticky wicket Govt in dilemma over Chohan"] 28 June 2001</ref> | [http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/i/immigration_and_refugees/index.html?query=CHOHAN,%20JAGJIT%20SINGH&field=per&match=exact The New York Times, USA, "LONDON SIKH ASSUMES ROLE OF EXILE CHIEF"] 14 June 1984</ref><ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010628/main1.htm The Tribune, India, "Punjab caught on sticky wicket Govt in dilemma over Chohan"] 28 June 2001</ref> | ||
In May 1980, Jagjit Singh Chohan travelled to [[London]] and announced the formation of Khalistan. A similar announcement was made by Balbir Singh Sandhu, in [[Amritsar]], who released stamps and currency of Khalistan. Operating from a building termed "Khalistan House", he remained in contact with the Sikh leader [[Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale]] who was campaigning for a Sikh theocratic homeland. Chohan also maintained contacts among various groups in Canada, the | In May 1980, Jagjit Singh Chohan travelled to [[London]] and announced the formation of Khalistan. A similar announcement was made by Balbir Singh Sandhu, in [[Amritsar]], who released stamps and currency of Khalistan. Operating from a building termed "Khalistan House", he remained in contact with the Sikh leader [[Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale]] who was campaigning for a Sikh theocratic homeland. Chohan also maintained contacts among various groups in Canada, the US, and Germany. He visited Pakistan as a guest of leaders like Chaudhuri Zahoor Elahi. Chohan declared himself president of the "Republic of Khalistan", named a Cabinet, and issued symbolic Khalistan "passports", "postage stamps", and "Khalistan dollars".<ref name="NYT_Chohan_Dies"/> | ||
It is reported that with the assistance of a wealthy Californian supporter, a peach magnate, he opened an Ecuadorian bank account to support his operation. | It is reported that with the assistance of a wealthy Californian supporter, a peach magnate, he opened an Ecuadorian bank account to support his operation. | ||
==Operation Blue Star and later== | ==Operation Blue Star and later== | ||
{{See also|Operation Blue Star}} | |||
In June 1983, Bhindranwale was asked: "If Jagjit Singh Chohan attacks [[India]] with assistance from England, America, and Canada, whom will you help?" Bhindranwale hedged and did not indicate his support. | In June 1983, Bhindranwale was asked: "If Jagjit Singh Chohan attacks [[India]] with assistance from England, America, and Canada, whom will you help?" Bhindranwale hedged and did not indicate his support. | ||
On 12 June 1984, in London Chohan was interviewed by BBC. The interviewer asked: "Do you actually want to see the downfall of [[Indira Gandhi|Mrs Gandhi]]'s Government?" Chohan answered: "..within a few days you will have the news that Mrs Gandhi and her family have been beheaded. That is what Sikhs will do..". After this interview, the [[Second Thatcher ministry|Thatcher government]] curtailed Chohan's activities | On 12 June 1984, in London Chohan was interviewed by BBC. The interviewer asked: "Do you actually want to see the downfall of [[Indira Gandhi|Mrs Gandhi]]'s Government?" Chohan answered: "..within a few days you will have the news that Mrs Gandhi and her family have been beheaded. That is what Sikhs will do..". After this interview, the [[Second Thatcher ministry|Thatcher government]] curtailed Chohan's activities. | ||
On 13 June 1984, Chohan announced a government in exile. On 31 October 1984, Indira Gandhi was assassinated. | On 13 June 1984, Chohan announced a government in exile. On 31 October 1984, Indira Gandhi was [[Assassination of Indira Gandhi|assassinated]]. | ||
Chohan visited Punjab in 1989 and hoisted the flag of Khalistan at a gurdwara in [[Anandpur Sahib]]. Chohan's Indian passport was cancelled on 24 April 1989. India protested when he was allowed to enter USA using the canceled passport.<ref name="NYT_Chohan_Dies"/> Vancouver fundamentalists [[Talwinder Singh Parmar]] and [[Surjan Singh Gill]] were at one time aligned with Chohan. | Chohan visited Punjab in 1989 and hoisted the flag of Khalistan at a gurdwara in [[Anandpur Sahib]]. Chohan's Indian passport was cancelled on 24 April 1989. India protested when he was allowed to enter USA using the canceled passport.<ref name="NYT_Chohan_Dies"/> Vancouver fundamentalists [[Talwinder Singh Parmar]] and [[Surjan Singh Gill]] were at one time aligned with Chohan. | ||
He had assisted the [[Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam|Tamil Tigers]] International [[Federation]] in setting up the [[assassination of Rajiv Gandhi]]. The [[Nanavati Commission]] considered him a co-conspirator in the assassination.{{Citation needed|date=February 2022}} | |||
==Softening and return== | ==Softening and return== | ||
Chohan gradually softened his stance. He supported India's attempts to defuse the tension by accepting surrenders by the militants. Other organizations, mainly in UK and North America, continue to work for a Khalistan. Indian government first permitted his wife to return | Chohan gradually softened his stance. He supported India's attempts to defuse the tension by accepting surrenders by the militants. Other organizations, mainly in UK and North America, continue to work for a Khalistan. The Indian government first permitted his wife to return and after he was pardoned by the Atal Bihari government, he was allowed to return to India in June 2001, after having been exiled for 21 years. The government decided to overlook his past activities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://punjabnewsexpress.com/editorial-page/news/sad-shifts-focus-from-real-issues-to-khalistan-bjp-and-congress-fumes-69556.aspx|title=SAD shifts focus from real issues to Khalistan, BJP and Congress fumes|website=punjabnewsexpress.com}}</ref> | ||
After his return, in an interview Chohan said he would keep the Khalistan movement alive democratically and pointed out that he has always been against violence. | After his return, in an interview Chohan said he would keep the Khalistan movement alive democratically and pointed out that he has always been against violence. | ||
==Khalsa Raj Party== | ==Khalsa Raj Party== | ||
After Chohan returned to India, he started a political party in 2002 named the Khalsa Raj Party and became its president.<ref name="Pioneer_decade">{{cite news |last1=Gupta |first1=Kanchan |title=THREE DECADES AFTER THE KHALISTANI INSURGENCY |url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/columnists/coffee-break/2016-04-30-8125.html |access-date=23 August 2018 |publisher=The Pioneer |date=1 May 2016}}</ref> The stated aim of the political party was to continue his campaign for Khalistan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020802/punjab1.htm#7 |title=Chohan wants edict on Tohra's retirement |work=The Tribune, India |date=2002-08-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Khalsa raj party to contest SGPC polls|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Khalsa-raj-party-to-contest-SGPC-polls/articleshow/175870.cms|website=The Times of India|publisher=Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd|access-date=2 May 2016|language=en|date=10 September 2003}}</ref> Chohan could not attract the support from the new generation of Sikhs.<ref name="NYT_Chohan_Dies"/> [[The Pioneer (newspaper)]] stated that his party was a '[[Letterhead organization]]'.<ref name="Pioneer_decade"/ | After Chohan returned to India, he started a political party in 2002 named the Khalsa Raj Party and became its president.<ref name="Pioneer_decade">{{cite news |last1=Gupta |first1=Kanchan |title=THREE DECADES AFTER THE KHALISTANI INSURGENCY |url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/columnists/coffee-break/2016-04-30-8125.html |access-date=23 August 2018 |publisher=The Pioneer |date=1 May 2016}}</ref> The stated aim of the political party was to continue his campaign for Khalistan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020802/punjab1.htm#7 |title=Chohan wants edict on Tohra's retirement |work=The Tribune, India |date=2002-08-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Khalsa raj party to contest SGPC polls|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Khalsa-raj-party-to-contest-SGPC-polls/articleshow/175870.cms|website=The Times of India|publisher=Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd|access-date=2 May 2016|language=en|date=10 September 2003}}</ref> Chohan could not attract the support from the new generation of Sikhs.<ref name="NYT_Chohan_Dies"/> [[The Pioneer (newspaper)]] stated that his party was a '[[Letterhead organization]]'.<ref name="Pioneer_decade"/> | ||
==Death== | ==Death== | ||
Chohan withdrew himself from the public life in his later years. He died on 4 April 2007, aged 78 due to [[heart attack]] at his native village Tanda in Hoshiarpur District of Punjab.<ref name="NYT_Chohan_Dies"/><ref>[http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/view/3579/38/ PunjabNewsline.com - Jagit Singh Chohan, Khalistan ideologue dies in Punjab<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028143859/http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/view/3579/38/ |date=2007-10-28 }}</ref><ref>http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070428/asp/opinion/story_7707446.asp Close the chapter: [[Khushwant Singh]]</ref> | Chohan withdrew himself from the public life in his later years. He died on 4 April 2007, aged 78 due to [[heart attack]] at his native village Tanda in Hoshiarpur District of Punjab.<ref name="NYT_Chohan_Dies"/><ref>[http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/view/3579/38/ PunjabNewsline.com - Jagit Singh Chohan, Khalistan ideologue dies in Punjab<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028143859/http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/view/3579/38/ |date=2007-10-28 }}</ref><ref>http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070428/asp/opinion/story_7707446.asp Close the chapter: [[Khushwant Singh]]</ref> | ||
After his death, the Khalistan movement gradually died down.<ref name="NYT_Chohan_Dies"/> | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
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[[Category:Indian Sikhs]] | [[Category:Indian Sikhs]] | ||
[[Category:British people of Indian descent]] | [[Category:British people of Indian descent]] | ||
[[Category:Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi]] | |||