Khalistan is Viable Option
Dr. Gurinder Singh Grewal
Requirements to Establish a New Country:
1. Territory: A defined geographical area is
Punjab (Indian occupied), India, has an area of approximately 50,362 square kilometers (about 19,445 square miles).
As of 2023, around 60 countries have a total area smaller than that of Punjab:
Area in Squares Kilometers:
Punjab, India = 50,362 km2
Switzerland = 41,290 km2
Israel = 22,145 km2
Denmark = 42.933 km2
Some Other Countries that are smaller than Punjab:
Malta – Maldives – Barbados – Saint Kitts and Nevis – Antigua and Barbuda – Seychelles – Luxembourg
2. Land Locked Countries: As of 2023, there are 44 landlocked countries in the These countries do not have any coastlines and are surrounded by land. Some notable examples of landlocked countries include:
Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Nepal, Kazakhstan, Bolivia
3. Population: A group of people who identify as citizens of the new This population should have a shared sense of identity or purpose. As of the latest estimates in 2023, the population of Punjab, India, is approximately 30 million people. Around 50 to 60 countries have populations smaller than that of Punjab. Some examples of countries with smaller populations include:
Punjab = 30 million
Switzerland = 8.8 million
Israel = G.73 million
Denmark = 6.0 million
Malta, Belize, Barbados, Brunei, Luxembourg, Swaziland, Iceland
4. Government: Establishing a governing body is This includes creating a constitution or legal framework that outlines the structure of government, laws, and rights of citizens.
The Government of Occupied Punjab, India, operates as a parliamentary system within the framework of the Indian Constitution. Here are some key aspects of the government structure:
- Executive Branch: The Chief Minister is the head of the government and is responsible for the administration of the The Chief Minister is supported by a council of ministers.
- The Governor of Punjab is the constitutional head of the state, appointed by the President of India, and performs ceremonial duties.
- Legislative Branch: Punjab has a unicameral legislature known as the Punjab Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly), which consists of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) elected by the public. The assembly is responsible for making laws and overseeing the executive branch.
- Judicial Branch: The judiciary in Punjab is part of the Indian judicial system, with the Punjab and Haryana High Court located in Chandigarh, which serves as the common high court for both Punjab and Haryana.
- Administrative Divisions: Punjab is divided into several districts, each headed by a District Collector or Deputy Commissioner, who is responsible for the administration and implementation of government policies at the district level.
- Political Parties: Various political parties operate in Punjab, with the Indian National Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party being prominent players in recent elections.
The government of Punjab is responsible for various sectors, including education, health, agriculture, and infrastructure development, and it works to address the needs and welfare of its citizens.
5. Recognition: Gaining recognition from other countries and international organizations is vital for legitimacy and to establish diplomatic Recognition from other countries especially UN recognition can take years.
As of 2023, there are 195 countries in the world, of which 192 are member states of the United Nations (UN). This means that there are 3 countries that are not UN members:
- Taiwan (officially known as the Republic of China, or ROC) Taiwan is not a UN member due to the One-China policy, which recognizes the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the sole representative of China in the UN.
- Vatican City (officially known as the Holy See) – Vatican City is a non-member observer state at the UN, which means it has a unique status and is not a full
- Kosovo As of 2023, is not a member of the United Nations (UN). Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, and while it has been recognized by over 100 countries, including the United States and most European Union member
Israel as a country is not recognized by many of its neighbors.
6. Sustainability: A plan for economic sustainability, including resources, infrastructure, and services, is necessary to support the population and
The economy of Punjab is the 16th largest state in India. In 2024 GDP of Punjab is estimated to be $ 96 billion USD. Per capita GDP of Punjab is greater than of India and Pakistan.
| Per Capita GDP in USD | |
| Punjab | $3,500 to $4,000 |
| India | $2,500 to $3,000 |
| Pakistan | $1,500 to $1,800 |
As of 2023 the per capita GDP of Israel is estimated to be $55,000 USD
As of 2023 per capita GDP of Switzerland is $94,000 USD
Even though Switzerland and Israel are smaller in population and smaller in area there per capita GDP is higher than Punjab because they are free countries and can establish their own trade policies.
- Sikhs in the diaspora: It is reported that the Sikh diaspora contributes approximately $1 billion to $2 billion USD annually in remittances to Punjab.
- Water Value: About 70% of Punjab River water is sent out to non-riparian states without any In 2010 the value of this was ₹25 billion loss to the Punjab agriculture.
- Electricity Production: The total electricity generation capacity in Punjab is around 13,000 MW, with a substantial portion being consumed within the state and some exported to neighboring The annual revenue from electricity generation is estimated to be in the range of $1-2 billion USD.
Annual value of Punjab’s grain exports has been estimated to be around $1 – 2 billion USD
- Amritsar to Karachi: The distance is approximately 1,200 kilometers (about 746 miles) by road.
- Amritsar to Mumbai (Bombay): The distance is approximately 1,500 kilometers (about G32 miles) by road.
India does not allow Punjab to trade freely, especially the agriculture produce. If Punjab was a free country, the nearest seaport will be Karachi not Bombay and we will not need permission of Indian government in Delhi to use Karachi seaport.
Punjab’s debt situation is a significant concern when compared to other Indian states. As of the latest available data, Punjab has one of the highest debt-to-GDP ratios among Indian states. It is mostly because the Indian government has imposed situation on Punjab that is not Punjab’s doing. The burden keeps increasing every year with interest. At present about 43% of the Punjab GDP is required to service the debt. Punjab debt increased significantly after 1984 because it must bear the burden of India’s paramilitary forces.
Farmers in Punjab are constantly agitating for the right price for produce and other demands. Despite government of India accepting that demands nothing has been done. Government of India wants to destroy Punjab. How can farmers of Punjab expect the same government to solve their problems? My appeal to the farm leaders of Punjab is to join the freedom movement which is the true remedy to all problems of Punjab.
Remember the words of Bhai Gurdas:

7. Security: Establishing a means of defense and maintaining order within the territory is important for the stability of the new country.
The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force have a total active personnel member of approximately 1.4 million. Estimates suggest that Sikhs make up around 10% to 15% of them. Particularly in certain regiments known for their historical contributions and valor. At one time Sikhs represented about 30% of Indian Armed Forces it will be reduced to 2% based on the population in coming years.
A Pakistani general has written about the bravery of Sikhs in his book. How a small unit Sikh soldiers stopped Pakistani army from advancing in Indo Pak war.
8. Cultural Identity: Developing a national identity through culture, language, and traditions can help unify the population and foster a sense of belonging.
Punjab is known for its rich cultural heritage and history. The culture of Punjab is deeply intertwined with Sikhism, which originated in this region in the 15th century. Sikh culture emphasizes values such as equality, community service, and devotion to God.
Key elements of Punjab and Sikh culture include:
- Language: Punjabi is the primary language spoken in Punjab, and it is also the language of Sikh scriptures, including the Guru Granth Sahib.
- Festivals: Major festivals such as Vaisakhi, which marks the harvest season and the formation of the Khalsa, and Gurpurab, celebrating the birthdays of the Sikh Gurus, are widely celebrated.
- Cuisine: Punjabi cuisine is known for its rich flavors and includes dishes like butter chicken, sarson da saag, and Makki di The food often features a variety of lentils, vegetables, and dairy products.
- Music and Dance: Traditional music forms like Bhangra and Gidda are integral to Punjabi culture, often performed during celebrations and The music is characterized by vibrant rhythms and energetic dance.
- Art and Craft: Punjab is known for its handicrafts, including phulkari embroidery, pottery, and These crafts often reflect the vibrant colors and patterns of Punjabi culture.
- Religious Practices: Sikhism promotes a strong sense of community and service, with practices such as langar (community kitchen) that serve free meals to all, regardless of background.
Overall, Punjab and Sikh culture are characterized by their warmth, hospitality, and strong sense of community
Concept of Sovereignty in Sikhism: In Sikhism, the concept of sovereignty is deeply intertwined with the principles of justice, equality, and the divine right to self-governance. Sikh teachings emphasize the importance of individual and collective sovereignty, where every person is seen as having inherent dignity and the right to make decisions about their own life.
Sikhism advocates for the idea of “Miri-Piri,” which represents the dual authority of spiritual and temporal power. The Sikh Gurus, emphasized the need for individuals to stand up against oppression and injustice, advocating for the rights of the marginalized and the establishment of a just society.
Khalsa and Sovereignty: Guru Gobind Singh’s creation of the Khalsa in 1699 reinforce the idea of collective serenity.
Rejection of Tyranny: Guru Arjun and Guru Teg Bahadur’s sacrifices: The Guru’s martyrdom was acts of defiance against political and religious tyranny. They demonstrated that Sovereignty in the eyes of Sikhism, is grounded in truth and righteousness, not a subjugation or coercion.
Sant Jarnail Singh Bhinderawale said if Indian government attacks Golden Temple it will lay the foundation of Khalistan.
Bhai Harjinder Singh Jinda and Bhai Sukhdev Singh Sukha in their letter to India’s president:
Theoretically, it is appropriate to clarify that our Rastriya (nation) is the Khalsa Panth absorbed into the Guru Granth Sahib. We took the first vital steps towards the destination of Khalistan by touching our foreheads with the foot dust of this nation. The elimination of Mr. Vaidya, the General of your forces engaged in destroying the Khalsa Panth and its power, was a holy act on our difficult path of martyrdom. It has once again brought the historical truth to light the urge of the Khalsa Panth to breathe in freedom, its self-respect and honor cannot be finished. Referendums were held in many countries by Sikhs for Justice. Sikh diaspora has overwhelmingly voted in favor of Khalistan. If a Referendum is allowed in Punjab results will be the same.
A new country can be created with an uprising of masses e.g. fall of Berlin wall and fall of Soviet Union; Collapse of the colonial power can be a catalyst for freedom of the occupied state.
In the end I would like to close with this: for all the problems of the Sikhs there is only one remedy freedom, freedom and freedom i.e. Khalistan.