What were the leading causes of insurgency in Punjab?

The insurgency in Punjab, primarily during the 1980s, was fueled by several complex factors:

1. Sikh Political Aspirations:
Sikhs sought political autonomy and greater recognition of their religious identity. The demand for the creation of Khalistan, an independent Sikh state, was a central element, driven by perceptions of discrimination and marginalization.

2. Operation Blue Star:
The storming of the Golden Temple in Amritsar in 1984, during Operation Blue Star, aimed at flushing out militants, resulted in civilian casualties and desecration of a revered Sikh site. This event heightened grievances and intensified Sikh separatist sentiments.

3. Assassination of Indira Gandhi:
The assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984 by her Sikh bodyguards triggered anti-Sikh riots in which thousands of Sikhs were killed. This further fueled the demand for a separate Sikh state and intensified the insurgency.

4. Militant Movements:
Militant groups, such as the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) and Bhindranwale Tiger Force, emerged, engaging in violent activities to achieve their objectives. These groups were responsible for numerous acts of terrorism, leading to a protracted and violent insurgency.

5. State Repression:
The heavy-handed response by the Indian state, involving extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and human rights abuses, alienated the Sikh population and fueled resentment, contributing to the perpetuation of the insurgency.

The convergence of political, religious, and socio-economic factors, coupled with historical grievances, culminated in the insurgency in Punjab during the 1980s.