Sikh fundamentalism

Sikh fundamentalism emerged in the late 20th century, gaining Western attention in 1978 with preacher Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. Fundamentalists emphasized adherence to the sacred text, the Adi Granth, and the establishment of a Sikh state governed by religious law. However, their primary objective became the creation of an independent Sikh nation in the Indian province of Punjab, positioning it as a nationalistic separatist movement against the Hindu state of India. This movement led to significant conflict, including the Indian army's storming of the Golden Temple in 1984, the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and subsequent anti-Sikh riots.1