Nipped in the bud three decades ago, the Khalistani separatist groups continue to threaten the hard earned peace in the frontier state of Punjab. Controversial hoardings demanding independence and referendum have created a stir. The hoardings with slogans like "Azadi Di Gal, Punjab Independence, 2020 Referendum" were installed at various places including Fatehgarh, Roopnagar, Dhanaula in Barnala and Rajpura in Patiala. Hardliner Sikh groups have launched a social media campaign demanding 'independence' by 2020. However, the Khalistani groups are divided on the controversial issue .

Source: India Today July 02, 2017 14:51 UTC