The Australian Capital Territory government became embroiled in a dispute with Canberra's Sikh community earlier this month after it abruptly took down dozens of flags bearing a symbol of the faith, fearing they might be interpreted as a statement of public support for an Indian separatist movement.
The Canberra Sikh Association wrote to the ACT government last week, seeking an "urgent meeting" to explain why dozens of flags depicting the Khanda — an emblem of Sikhism — were pulled down earlier this month, less than 24 hours after being put up along major thoroughfares on the approach to Parliament House.
The issue was eventually resolved on Friday last week after the ACT government sat down with Sikh community representatives. And the flags — with a slight modification — are now flying once again from the flagpoles.
However, the dispute left some in the Sikh community deeply unhappy, demonstrating the political sensitivities and community divisions surrounding the campaign from some Sikhs to establish a separate state in India.
The saga began on April 3, when 82 flags bearing the Khanda — a symbol of the Sikh faith and identity — were put up along Kings Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue in Canberra to mark the festival of Vaisakhi.
However, the Khanda is also used as a symbol by those campaigning to establish an independent nation for Sikhs, called Khalistan, in the Punjab region in India's north-west.
India's government regards the Khalistan movement as a direct threat to its sovereignty, and last month launched a major manhunt to capture separatist preacher Amritpal Singh, who broke into an Indian police station with armed supporters in February to free one of his associates.
The Khalistan movement has also been trying to build support in Sikh diaspora communities in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Australia.
An ACT government spokesperson told the ABC that "a concern was raised by a member of the public to the ACT Property Group about the flag's design" and the "flags were lowered on the same day" after it consulted with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The ACT government did not identify who made the complaint, but the ABC understands it related to the Khalistan issue.
However, the decision to unilaterally take down the flags then drew protests from the Sikh community, which said it was blindsided by the move.
Last week, the Canberra Sikh Association wrote to the ACT government, expressing its "utter surprise and dismay" at the decision, just days before the issue was resolved.
"A removal of the flags depicting the Khanda is highly disrespectful, disheartening and full of sadness to all Sikhs," the organisation wrote.
"Instead of a joyful celebration of Vaisakhi Day, 14 April 2023 will be full of sadness and despair to all Sikhs in Canberra and Australia.
"The ACT government has not provided its reasons for removing the flags in writing and the Sikh community in Australia and internationally is seeking answers as to why the flags have been removed."
The flags — which were put back up on April 14 — retain the Khanda symbol, but no longer include the words "Khalsa Foundation Day Celebration", which were included on the original flags.
An ACT government spokesperson said "following discussions with the Canberra Sikh Association, the association submitted a revised design" and that "DFAT advised the National Capital Authority and the ACT Property Group it did not object to the revised flag's design".
It is not clear why the ACT government insisted those words be removed, given Khalsa Foundation Day marks the day the Sikh religious community was established, on Vaisakhi, and seems to indicate that the flags were being raised to celebrate a festival rather than a political movement.
However, the Indian government has previously accused Khalistan supporters of deliberately trying to co-opt Sikh imagery, such as the Khanda, to blur the line between the religion and the separatist push.
On Thursday, the Canberra Sikh Association sent a message to its community members and supporters celebrating that the flags had been put back up.
"Following constructive dialogues with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Home Affairs, and the ACT Property Group (ACT Government), we are pleased to announce that the Nishan Sahib (Khanda) flags have been reinstalled on all 82 poles," the email reads.
"The flag's design was altered by removing the event details. This outcome serves as a testament to the values of diversity, tolerance, inclusion, and social cohesion that the Sikh community cherishes."
"We extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who contributed to the positive outcome of the flags' reinstallation, including government representatives and the wider community. Your steadfast support has been instrumental in ensuring the rights of the Sikh community are respected and protected."
The association also said the "intent and meaning" behind the flags removed were misconstrued by some members of the public" and that this was "primarily due to the text size and distance from the ground, which led to a complaint being lodged".
Support for Khalistan mixed
While some Sikhs, both in India and abroad, have been campaigning hard for Khalistan, other Sikhs are deeply opposed to the movement.
India's Modi government has also been pressing Western countries with large Sikh diasporas to try to stop Khalistan supporters from holding political rallies and informal referenda, saying the activity is subversive and threatens to undermine India's territorial integrity.
Earlier this year, skirmishes broke out between Khalistan advocates and Indian government supporters in Melbourne's Federation Square at a "referendum" called to gauge Sikh community support for the separatist push.
Vandals also targeted Hindu temples in Melbourne with anti-India and pro-Khalistan graffiti in January this year, stoking community tensions.
When India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Foreign Minister Penny Wong in February he said he "emphasised the need for vigilance against radical activities targeting the Indian community".
The Australian government has repeatedly stressed the referenda have no legal effect, and has vowed to take a zero-tolerance approach to any violence or vandalism.
Ian Hall from the Griffith Asia Institute told the ABC that, in recent months, "anything that suggests support for Khalistani separatism" had drawn "swift and stern responses from New Delhi".
"We are at a delicate point in the bilateral relationship, where Australia is very much a partner of choice for India and we are spoilt for opportunities for closer economic and security cooperation," Dr Hall said.
"But we know, from the experience of others, especially Canada — which has a big and politically active Sikh population and a poor relationship with India — that the Khalistan issue can do serious damage if managed poorly."
