Balbir Singh Sandhu who announced the start of the Sikh rebellion against the government on 28 April 1983 was the leader of the _______ 

Key Points

• The National Council of Khalistan (NCK) was an organization involved in the Sikh separatist movement seeking an independent Khalistan state.
• Balbir Singh Sandhu was a prominent leader of the National Council of Khalistan (NCK).
• On 28 April 1983, Balbir Singh Sandhu announced the start of the Sikh rebellion against the Indian government.
• The movement aimed at creating a separate Sikh state and was part of a broader wave of political and religious strife in the Punjab region.

Additional Information

• Sikh Separatist Movement:
  • This movement sought to establish Khalistan, a separate sovereign state for Sikhs, carved out of India's Punjab region.
  • The movement gained momentum in the 1980s, leading to widespread violence and significant political unrest in Punjab.
  • Operation Blue Star in 1984 was a controversial military action by the Indian government aimed at removing militant leaders from the Golden Temple, the holiest Sikh shrine.
  • The assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984 by her Sikh bodyguards was a direct consequence of Operation Blue Star, leading to anti-Sikh riots.
• Shiromani Akali Dal:
  • Shiromani Akali Dal is a major political party in Punjab, representing the interests of the Sikh community.
  • While it has historically supported Sikh rights, it has not advocated for a separate Khalistan state.
  • The party plays a significant role in Punjab's political landscape and has been part of various coalition governments.
• Dal Khalsa:
  • Dal Khalsa is another Sikh organization that has been involved in the Khalistan movement.
  • It was founded in 1978 and has advocated for the creation of Khalistan through both political and militant means.
  • Dal Khalsa has been banned several times by the Indian government due to its activities.
• Indian National Congress (INC):
  • The Indian National Congress is one of the two major political parties in India and has been in power for much of the country's post-independence history.
  • It does not support the idea of Khalistan and has been involved in efforts to quell separatist movements.
  • The party's government led the controversial Operation Blue Star in 1984.