Kharku
Kharku is a Punjabi term used as a self-designation by Sikh militants of the Punjab insurgency who were followers of the Khalistan movement.
History
During the later years of British India and early decades following Indian independence, some slogans were coined during those times which invoked another similar sounding word to serve a political message, an example being "Khaṇḍā khaṛkū, Náirū pàjju", meaning: "When the double edged swords begin to clatter, Nehru shall run". The Kharkus fought an insurgency primarily between the years of 1978–1993, sparked by the 1978 Sikh-Nirankari clash, which led to the deaths of 13 Khalsa Sikhs.Their ultimate goal was the establishment of a sovereign Sikh state based upon political justice. The movement gained further strength in the 1980's after Operation Blue Star, Operation Woodrose, and Operation Black Thunder, and fallout from the assassination of Indira Gandhi, which sparked country-wide anti-Sikh pogroms. The Kharkus of the 1980's and 1990's were associated with martyrdom and respected as shaheeds. The Kharku movement was especially strong in rural areas of Punjab. The ranks of militants drew primarily from the Majha region from those belonging to a lower socio-economic status and Jat and Ramgharia background.
They were generally supported by the Sikh masses, especially during the beginning of the insurgency. Support waned during the latter years until the movement faded, eventually relegated to the underground. The reasons for their decline are a lack of common vision, lack of a commitment to a worthwhile cause, and losing trust of the common folk. Hundreds of Kharkus were killed by police and military forces during the insurgency. Many of those who survive remain in hiding or have escaped abroad.