Deep Sidhu, Kisan Morcha and the erasure of Sikh suffering in the liberal imagination

ABSTRACT

This article explores the ideological roots of the tension between the Sikhs and the left organizations of Punjab in the context of Kisan Morcha. During the year-long protest movement, Deep Sidhu became the focal point of this tension. This article argues that the roots of this tension are far deeper than is commonly realized. The process of modernization and psychic McDonaldization that resulted from it, are the driving forces behind this tension. Deep Sidhu represented the singularity of Sikhi and Punjab that resisted this global drive towards uniformity. However, his death also sparked a new political consciousness.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 Shiromani Akal Dal (Amritsar) is a political party that democratically demands the establishment of Khalistan.

2 For extrajudicial executions of Sikhs by the police and other security agencies in Punjab, see: Jaijee, Inderjit Singh. 1999. Politics of Genocide: Punjab 1984-1998. Delhi: Ajanta Publications; Kumar, Ram Narayan et al. 2003. Reduced to Ashes: The Insurgency and Human Rights in Punjab. Kathmandu: South Asia Forum for Human Rights; and Ensaaf.org.

3 Anand, Jagjit Singh. 1991. ‘The Policeman who Silenced Terrorists’ Guns.’ In Punjab Problem Facets, edited by Jagjit Singh Anand, 46-9. Jalandhar: Jagjit Singh Anand.

4 Ibid, 48.

5 Mahadevan, Prem. 2012. The Politics of Counterterrorism in India: Strategic Intelligence and National Security in South Asia. London: I. B. Tauris.

6 United Nations, Department of Social and Economic Affairs. 1951. Measures for the Economic Development of Underdeveloped Communities. New York: United Nations, pp. 1157.