Identity and Survival: Sikh Militancy in India 1978-1993 by Kirpal Dhillon

Based on his tenure as Director General of Police in Punjab from July 3, 1984—shortly after Operation Blue Star—to August 22, 1985, Kirpal Dhillon provides a first-hand account of the state’s militant phase. He explores it not merely as a law-and-order issue but as a complex question of Sikh nationalism and the challenges faced by a minority under threat. Offering an insider’s perspective, this book delves into the factors that plagued Punjab for nearly two decades. Drawing from his direct experiences and historical analysis, it is a significant contribution to the literature on the Sikh community’s darkest years—a period whose implications remain relevant today.

Published: June 2024
Pages: 432