1991 Punjab killings

The 1991 Punjab killings refer to a series of extrajudicial killings and human rights violations that occurred in the Indian state of Punjab during the late 1980s and early 1990s, amid the backdrop of political instability and civil unrest linked to the Sikh separatist movement. The Indian government, in its efforts to combat insurgency, authorized a campaign that led to the deaths of thousands of civilians, often labeled as fake encounters by human rights organizations. This period was marked by severe crackdowns by the police and security forces, resulting in widespread allegations of abuse and violation of civil liberties. The legacy of these events continues to impact Punjab's socio-political landscape and evokes significant national and international discourse surrounding state violence and accountability.