On June 4, 2024, the Lok Sabha Election results sent shockwaves across the nation as three separatist leaders won seats in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. Amritpal Singh from Khadoor Sahib (Punjab), Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa from Faridkot (Punjab), and Abdul Rashid Sheikh from Baramullah (Jammu and Kashmir) emerged victorious as independent candidates. Notably, two of the three winners are currently in jail. While this outcome might seem to showcase the diversity of democracy, it raises concerns for national security upon closer examination.
Abdul Rashid Sheikh
In Baramullah, Abdul Rashid Sheikh, a separatist leader currently detained under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in Tihar, won with 4,72,481 votes, securing a 45.7 per cent vote share. He defeated former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister and Jammu & Kashmir National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, who garnered 2,68,339 votes, amounting to a 25.95 per cent vote share.
Sheikh, also known as Engineer Rashid, founded the Jammu and Kashmir Awami Ittehad Party. He previously won Assembly Elections in 2008 and 2014 and contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections but was unsuccessful. Before entering politics, he worked as a construction engineer, which earned him the nickname Engineer Rashid.
In 2019, the National Investigation Agency arrested him under UAPA for alleged terror funding activities, making him the first recognised leader to be detained under the act. Sheikh’s victory signifies the ongoing challenge for the Indian government to win the trust of the Jammu and Kashmir populace and address separatist sentiments in the region.
Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa
In Faridkot, Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, the son of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassin, Beant Singh, won as an independent candidate. He garnered 2,98,062 votes, amounting to a 29.38 per cent vote share, defeating Aam Aadmi Party’s Karamjit Singh Anmol, who received 2,28,009 votes, representing a 22.48 per cent vote share.
The Khalsa family is known for its pro-Khalistani sentiments, advocating for a separate Sikh state. Sarabjeet’s victory underscores the persistent undercurrents of the Khalistani movement in Punjab, posing a significant threat to India’s unity and integrity.
Amritpal Singh
In Khadoor Sahib, pro-Khalistani separatist leader Amritpal Singh, currently detained under the National Security Act (NSA) in Dibrugarh Jail, won by a substantial margin. Amritpal secured 4,04,430 votes, translating to a 38.62 per cent vote share, defeating Indian National Congress’s Kulbur Singh Zira, who received 2,07,310 votes, representing a 19.8 per cent vote share.
Amritpal Singh rose to prominence in Punjab after assuming leadership of the late Deep Sidhu’s organisation, Waris Punjab De, also known for its pro-Khalistani stance. Notably, Amritpal was seen as a Bhindranwale 2.0 by pro-Khalistani elements in the state.
In 2023, central agencies and Punjab Police launched a manhunt against Amritpal Singh for his pro-Khalistani and anti-India activities. The search began in March 2023, and despite evading capture for over a month, he was eventually arrested at the end of April 2023.
Amritpal, who adopted attire reminiscent of Khalistani terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale during his Punjab march, initially presented his movement as a fight against the state’s drug problem. By the time of his arrest, he had established a weapon training centre and amassed a significant following, as evidenced by his election victory. The election of a Khalistani leader with over 4 lakh votes is a concerning sign for national security.
Threat to internal security
As parliamentarians, all three winners will have access to sensitive central government documents that are not available to the general public. This information could be manipulated to influence public sentiment over time. There have been instances where parliamentarians have shared their passwords with unauthorised personnel, as seen in the case of Mahua Moitra, who was expelled from the Lok Sabha in December last year. Even with multiple layers of security, such access to documents can pose risks.
The success of independent candidates from diverse backgrounds in a democratic system reflects the fairness of the electoral process. However, the victories of separatist leaders raise serious concerns and potential threats to national security. Their separatist and pro-Khalistani ideologies could embolden similar movements, destabilising regional and national stability.
These victories should serve as a wake-up call for the nation. While upholding the democratic process, it is crucial to address the underlying issues that enable separatist and extremist ideologies to thrive.
The victories of Abdul Rashid Sheikh, Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, and Amritpal Singh underscore the dual nature of democracy, which can be both a pillar of freedom and a potential threat to national security if not accompanied by vigilant safeguards.
