The declaration of Khalistan as an independent Sikh state was made amidst a backdrop of rising Sikh nationalism that gained traction in the 1980s. Following a series of violent confrontations, including the infamous Operation Blue Star in 1984, which involved the Indian military storming the Golden Temple in Amritsar, discontent among Sikhs grew significantly. Many Sikhs felt marginalized within India, leading to calls for a separate homeland where they believed their cultural and religious identity could be preserved without interference. On October 7, 1987, leaders of the Sikh community formally issued a proclamation of independence for Khalistan, citing longstanding demands and grievances regarding their treatment by the Indian state.The declaration was made by a faction of the All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF), which sought international recognition for Khalistan. However, despite its aspirations, the declaration faced immediate rejection from the Indian government and went unrecognized by the international community. Nonetheless, it echoed the sentiments of a significant portion of the Sikh population in Punjab and abroad, who viewed it as a legitimate expression of their aspirations. This unilateral declaration intensified the existing conflict in Punjab, leading to further unrest stretching through the late 1980s into the early 1990s, marked by militant actions and a crackdown by Indian forces. The situation contributed to a prolonged period of violence and instability in the region, highlighting the complexities of national identity and the struggle for autonomy within India.