Being A Sikh In Today’s India Is Hard – OpEd
On October 3, 2025, India once again revealed the undercurrents of repression running through its political and security apparatus. The arrest of Dharmendra, a former Army commando, alongside two other Sikh individuals, marks not just a continuation—but an escalation—of New Delhi’s ongoing campaign against the Sikh community. What the Indian government calls “counterterrorism” increasingly appears to be a state-driven project of cultural silencing and political intimidation.
This is not an isolated arrest. It is part of a decade-long continuum of systemic targeting. Between 2015 and 2025, multiple Sikh servicemen, including Sepoy Sukhcharan Singh (3rd Sikh Light Infantry), Sepoy Harpreet Singh (19 Rashtriya Rifles), and Sepoy Gurbhej Singh (18 Sikh Light Infantry), were detained under vague charges of espionage, sedition, or links to separatism. Each case followed a familiar pattern—highly publicized arrests, prolonged detentions, weak evidence, and media trials that painted these individuals as threats to the Indian state before any due process could unfold.
What makes these arrests more alarming is the profile of the accused: men who once wore the uniform of the Indian Army. Their persecution exposes not only political paranoia but also a crisis of trust within India’s own institutions. Reports suggest growing resentment among Sikh soldiers and veterans, many of whom feel systematically marginalized. This simmering discontent is not simply about religion—it is about representation, recognition, and respect. In an army that prides itself on secularism, the persistent targeting of Sikh servicemen signals that the wounds of 1984 have not healed; they have merely been institutionalized.
The roots of this state repression stretch back to the 2015 desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib, which sparked mass protests across Punjab. Those who raised their voices for accountability were branded “militants.” The same template continues today—Sikh activists, religious preachers, and even farmers who participated in the 2020–2021 protests are monitored, detained, or vilified as “Khalistani sympathizers.”
Yet, independent observers and human rights groups have repeatedly underlined that advocacy for Sikh self-determination does not equate to extremism. It is a legitimate political aspiration shaped by historical trauma, discrimination, and cultural alienation within the Indian Union.
Internationally, this narrative is collapsing under scrutiny. The Sikh diaspora—especially in Canada, the UK, and the United States—has become more vocal, leveraging global platforms to expose India’s double standards. After Canada’s controversial move to list the Bishnoi Group as a terrorist organization, analysts widely interpreted it as the outcome of Indian diplomatic pressure—a move aimed at curbing Sikh activism abroad. Instead of silencing dissent, these actions have globalized the Sikh cause, transforming it into an international human rights discourse.
Meanwhile, India’s deflection strategy remains consistent: blame Pakistan. Each time the repression of Sikhs is called out, Indian officials frame it as part of Islamabad’s “proxy war” or “foreign interference.” This convenient narrative not only diverts international scrutiny but also reinforces India’s self-portrayal as a victim of terrorism. The result is a manufactured binary—patriotism versus separatism, nationalism versus treachery—where the Sikh community’s grievances are delegitimized through a lens of security paranoia.
But the world is no longer buying this script. Western think tanks, human rights organizations, and UN observers have begun documenting India’s pattern of state overreach. The repeated misuse of counterterrorism laws like the UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act), the silencing of journalists, and the suppression of minority identities reflect a deeper authoritarian drift under the banner of nationalism. Within this framework, Sikhs—like Muslims, Dalits, and other marginalized communities—have become targets of a majoritarian state narrative.
The October 2025 arrests thus symbolize more than just a local law enforcement episode. They reveal India’s fear of dissent—especially dissent that resonates across borders. The Sikh community’s growing international visibility poses an ideological challenge to the Hindu nationalist state: a challenge rooted in pluralism, historical memory, and demands for justice. By criminalizing these aspirations, India risks alienating not only its Sikh citizens but also its global democratic credibility.
It is now imperative for the international community to view these developments not as internal Indian affairs but as human rights concerns. Silence in the face of such repression only emboldens authoritarianism. The Sikh question—far from being a relic of the past—has resurfaced as a moral test for modern India: whether it can coexist with diversity or continue down the path of intolerance masked as national security.
The arrest of Dharmendra is not just about one man. It is a mirror reflecting India’s deepening crisis of identity—where loyalty is measured not by service, but by silence.
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While every community can face challenges, it’s important to recognize that Sikhs continue to be among the most respected and successful groups in India. From leading roles in the armed forces and politics to excellence in business, sports, and public service, Sikhs hold top positions and enjoy immense goodwill across the nation. India takes pride in the contributions of Sikhs to its growth, unity, and identity. Highlighting hardships should not overshadow the fact that the Sikh community remains one of the most flourishing and admired in the country and the world. Dear Ameer Zaman Stop spreading false propaganda the legacy of some of the people from Pakistan.