Answer. Separatism is a political ideology or movement advocating for the separation of a group or region from a larger political entity, often due to cultural, ethnic, or religious differences. Khalistani separatism was a movement for a separate Sikh state, Khalistan, in Punjab, India, which emerged in the 1970s and 1980s.

Evolution of khalistani separatism -

1. In the 1970s, Sikh separatist organizations began to develop, calling for more political and economic freedom for Sikhs. As a result, tensions increased as the Indian government cracked down on separatist organizations and detained their leaders.
2. The Anandpur Sahib Resolution, passed in the 1970s by the Sikh political party Akali Dal, demanded greater autonomy for Punjab and its Sikh population.
3. The 1980s saw an increase in violence as security forces brutally retaliated to Sikh militant strikes on government targets. Sikh terrorists attacked the government and the Hindu populace. This was supported by Inter services intelligence of Pakistan and led by J S Bhindranwale( a prominent religious figure at that time)
4. Operation Blue Star was started by the government to drive insurgents out of the Golden Temple compound. 
5. Anti-Sikh riots started after Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was killed by her Sikh bodyguards. 
6. The Punjab Accord of 1985 sought to bring about peace and give Punjab and its Sikh population more autonomy, but Khalistan's problem remained unresolved.
7. Due to effective counter-insurgency operations and a split among terrorist factions, the insurgency waned in the 1990s. Sikh gurdwara administration committees were set up for proper administration of Gurudwaras.
8. After 9/11, international support for Khalistan decreased as Western nations came to associate Sikh militancy with terrorism. Although there is less demand for Khalistan now, specific Sikh organizations still push for more autonomy within India.

Indian government’s approach to countering Khalistani separatism:

1. To defeat militant groups, the government conducted a significant counterinsurgency effort for example Operation Black Thunder in 1988. Such efforts in the 1990s were led by prominent police officer K P S Gill.
2. The Government of India put in place political measures to address Sikh issues, such as the formation of a separate gurdwara management committee. 
3. The government used intelligence operations to gather information on militant activities and disrupt their plans
4. The government worked to improve relations with the Sikh community and reduce tensions between Sikhs and Hindus, for example, by establishing the Punjab Rural Development Board. 
5. The government collaborated with neighbouring states, such as Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir, to stop the transit of terrorists and weapons across borders.

Pakistan's government has recently tried to incite instability in Indian Punjab-

1. Punjab is still home to extremist organizations with ties to Pakistan that are supported by the ISI. 
2. In preparation for assaults in Punjab, the ISI still supports and trains militants. Pakistan has been dropping guns and explosives into Punjab using drones.
3. Increased drug trafficking activities supported by Pakistan entrap youth in organized crime with linkages of such crime to terrorism.
4. To finance militancy, Pakistan has been circulating fake Indian money throughout Punjab.
5. Young Sikhs in India have been radicalized and recruited by the ISI using social media.
6. Pakistan has been financing pro-Khalistan demonstrations and gatherings in Western nations in an effort to reignite the Khalistani movement such as in Canada.
7. Pakistan continues to deny any role in the Khalistani separatist movement, blaming India instead for the alleged abuse of human rights in Punjab.

This denotes the continued proxy struggle in Punjab. But there have also been steps toward peace, like the opening of the Kartarpur corridor, even though there are suspicions. India should use Pakistan's current economic crisis as an opportunity to improve law and order in Punjab, put more pressure on the international community to stop terrorism, and work with civil society to deal with problems like drug use. India should stay prepared by all means to ensure unity and integrity in the country.