Sukhbir Singh Badal, a prominent Sikh politician and former deputy chief minister of Punjab, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on Wednesday outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar, northern India. The Golden Temple, a sacred site for Sikhs, is not only a place of worship but also the location of a tragic military operation in the 1980s that left hundreds dead, making this attack all the more chilling.
The incident happened as Badal, who was in a wheelchair, was visiting the temple to perform sewa—volunteer service as an act of repentance for decisions made during his time in office from 2007 to 2017. While journalists and bystanders watched, a man identified as Narain Singh Chaura, a former Khalistani militant with a criminal past, approached the temple’s entrance. Without warning, he pulled out a gun and fired at Badal.
The bullet missed its target and hit a nearby wall, leaving Badal unharmed. Police and plainclothes officers immediately tackled Chaura and arrested him, preventing further harm. The shocking event was captured on camera by the media present at the temple.
Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar praised the swift action of the officers, stating, “Thanks to the vigilance and deployment of our police, this attempt was thwarted.” However, the motive behind the attack remains unclear.
Why This Shooting Stirs Memories of the Past
The attack at the Golden Temple brings back painful memories of Operation Blue Star in 1984. During that operation, the Indian government ordered military forces to remove Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a militant Sikh leader, and his followers from the temple. The operation led to widespread anger among Sikhs around the world and fueled the Khalistan movement, which seeks to create an independent Sikh state in Punjab.
Narain Singh Chaura’s connection to the Khalistan movement adds another layer of tension to this incident. The movement remains a sensitive topic in India and abroad, especially in countries like Canada, where many Sikhs live.
Rising Tensions Between India and Canada
The attack also highlights the ongoing strain between India and Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently accused India of being involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan activist, in British Columbia. India has strongly denied the allegations, calling them baseless.
This dispute has led to diplomatic clashes, with both countries expelling diplomats and accusing each other of political interference. The Khalistan movement, although supported by a minority of Sikhs, continues to spark disagreements between the two nations.
A Politician’s Narrow Escape
For Sukhbir Singh Badal, the shooting was a close call. A bullet just inches away could have ended the life of one of Punjab’s most influential political figures. The timing and location of the attack—the holiest shrine of Sikhism—make this event deeply unsettling for many.
As the investigation continues, questions about Chaura’s motive and the broader implications for Sikh politics and India-Canada relations remain unanswered. What is clear, however, is that this dramatic event has reignited debates around religion, security, and the delicate balance of political power in Punjab and beyond.
