LaverneHenry at 16:34, 13 February 2025

2025-02-13T16:34:10Z

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{{short description|Students organization affiliated to Indian Sikhs}}
{{Infobox political youth organization
|name= All-India Sikh Students' Federation
|logo =All_India_Sikh_Students_Federation.jpg
|caption=Official logo|vice president=
|communications director=
|development director=
|membership director=
|political affairs director=
|programs director=
|national council chair=
|national council vice-chair=
|national council secretary=
|honorary co-chairs=
|founded = 13 September 1944
|headquarters =
|ideology = [[Sikhism]]
|position = [[Sikh]]-centric
|website =
}}

The '''All-India Sikh Students' Federation''' ('''AISSF''') is a [[Sikh]] [[Student society|student organisation]] and political organisation in [[India]].<ref>{{cite news|title=RSS interfering into Sikh affairs: All India Sikh Students Federation|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/bathinda/rss-interfering-into-sikh-affairs-all-india-sikh-students-federation/article1-1336478.aspx|access-date=2015-09-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150422034859/http://www.hindustantimes.com/bathinda/rss-interfering-into-sikh-affairs-all-india-sikh-students-federation/article1-1336478.aspx|archive-date=2015-04-22|url-status=dead}}</ref> AISSF was formed in 1943.<ref>The Minority Rights Group, "The Sikhs", (London, 1984), p. 14.</ref> as the youth wing of the [[Akali Dal]], which is a Sikh political party in the Indian Punjab.

==Origin==
Before the federation came into being, Sikh youths were organized into local ''Bhujangi Sabhas'' in schools and colleges across the [[Punjab region]] that promoted Sikh values, heritage and social service. The actual origin of the Sikh Student Federation can be traced back to "Khalsa clubs" established in 1888.<ref>{{cite book|last=Singh|first=Sarup|editor=Harbans Singh|title=The Encyclopedia of Sikhism|url=http://www.advancedcentrepunjabi.org/eos/SIKH%20STUDENTS%20FEDERATION%20A.html|edition=2nd|year=1995|publisher=Punjabi University, Patiala|location=Patiala}}</ref> The club came to be known as the ''Sikh Naujawan' Association'', whose first president was [[Harnam Singh]]. Although small in size and activity, the association published the ''Khalsa Naujawan' Magazine'' and sponsored work on religious and social projects. Sikh youths were an integral part of organizations such as the [[Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee]], [[Shiromani Akali Dal]] and the [[All India Students Federation]].
==After partition==
In March 1984, due to the rise in [[Punjab Insurgency]], the Indian government banned the AISSF,<ref>Henry Degenhardt, ed., Revolutionary and Dissident Movements, (Detroit: Gale Research Company, 1988), p. 156.</ref> and jailed many of its members.<ref>Keesing's Record of World Events, Volume XXX, November 1984, p. 33222.</ref> During the [[Operation Bluestar]] in June 1984, members of the AISSF were involved in the fighting between the [[Indian army]] and [[Khalistan movement#Khalistan militant outfits|Sikh militants]] at the [[Golden Temple]]. AISSF members were also involved in an armed confrontation during [[Operation Black Thunder]] with police and paramilitary forces at the temple in April 1986. The ban on AISSF was lifted 11 April 1985.<ref>Keesing's Record of World Events, Volume XXXI, November 1985, p. 33986.</ref><ref name="IRB_AISSF">{{cite web |title=IRB – Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |url=https://www.ecoi.net/en/document/1006755.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728204415/https://www.ecoi.net/en/document/1006755.html |archive-date=28 July 2018 |accessdate=28 July 2018 |website=ecoi.net |df=dmy-all |url-status=live}}</ref>

In April 1986, the AISSF was split into two groups, one Manjit Singh faction aligned with the United Akali Dal (a militant faction of the Akali Dal), and the second Gurjit faction aligned itself with the [[Damdami Taksal]] (a Sikh religious school).<ref>Keesing's Volume XXXIII, (August 1986) p. 34563</ref> The members of the AISSF have called for the creation of a separate Sikh state, "[[Khalistan]]". More than 16 militant Sikh groups have emerged in 1980s in support of the Khalistan Movement.<ref>Keesing's Record of World Events, Volume XXXIV, February 1988, p. 35718.</ref> Major militant groups included the [[Khalistan Commando Force]] (KCF) and the [[Khalistan Liberation Force]] (KLF).<ref>[Amnesty International, Report 1987.]</ref> The KLF acts as an umbrella group which is linked politically to the Manjit Singh faction of the AISSF,<ref>Dilip Bobb, "The Spectre of Terrorism," India Today, 31 July 1987</ref> and reported as an armed wing of the AISSF.<ref>Keesing's Record of World Events, Volume XXXIV, February 1988, p. 35719.</ref> The Khalistan Commando Force had emerged as the main militant group in Punjab, according to an article in India Today, and is "''closely linked to the Gurjit faction of the AISSF and the Damdami Taksal.''"<ref>"The Spectre of Terrorism," India Today, (New Delhi, 31 July 1987)</ref> In July 1989, Manjit Singh, the president of the AISSF was released from Sangrur jail in Punjab after spending five years.<ref>"Released: Manjit Singh", Asiaweek, 11 August 1989, p. 48</ref> He is allegedly still a supporter of militants trying to establish Khalistan.<ref>Ibid</ref><ref name="IRB_AISSF" />

[[Karnail Singh Peer Mohammad]] was the president of All India Sikhs Students Federation since 19 January 1995. He resigned from his designation last year, citing the need to bring young leaders forward for betterment of Sikh panth and its values. The organization is aimed at demanding justice for the victims of the [[1984 anti-Sikh riots|1984 Sikh genocide]], and also focuses on other issues facing the Sikh community.<ref>{{cite news |title=All India Sikh Students Federation gives Punjab bandh call |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/All-India-Sikh-Students-Federation-gives-Punjab-bandh-call/articleshow/44779587.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208215731/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/All-India-Sikh-Students-Federation-gives-Punjab-bandh-call/articleshow/44779587.cms |archive-date=2015-12-08 |access-date=2015-09-12}}</ref> The organization under the leadership of President [[Karnail Singh Peer Mohammad]] has worked for issues of Punjab and defending the values of Sikhism. The organization has recently worked on SYL Water issue for Punjab<ref>{{cite news |title=SYL issue: AISSF demands resolution in Assembly to challenge.Bhai Jagroop Singh Cheema is current precedent of Punjab Unit He is working Hard to Bring the youth with the organization to reestablish and make it strong.verdict |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/syl-issue-aissf-demands-resolution-in-assembly-to-challenge-sc-verdict-4372983 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415012807/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/syl-issue-aissf-demands-resolution-in-assembly-to-challenge-sc-verdict-4372983/ |archive-date=2017-04-15 |access-date=2017-04-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=AISSF demand Punjab Assly resolution to challenge SYL canal decision |url=http://www.uniindia.com/aissf-demand-punjab-assly-resolution-to-challenge-syl-canal-decision/states/news/685493.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415013455/http://www.uniindia.com/aissf-demand-punjab-assly-resolution-to-challenge-syl-canal-decision/states/news/685493.html |archive-date=2017-04-15 |access-date=2017-04-14}}</ref> Satnam Singh Gambhir was president of All India Sikh Students Federation's [[Bihar]]-[[Jharkhand]] unit.<ref>{{cite news |title=All India Sikh Students Federation appeals to ban 'MSG: Messenger Of God' in Jharkhand |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-all-india-sikh-students-federation-appeals-to-ban-msg-messenger-of-god-in-jharkhand-2053060 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151022123939/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-all-india-sikh-students-federation-appeals-to-ban-msg-messenger-of-god-in-jharkhand-2053060 |archive-date=2015-10-22 |access-date=2015-09-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=All India Sikh Students Federation asks Jharkhand govt to make 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' tax free |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-all-india-sikh-students-federation-asks-jharkhand-govt-to-make-bhaag-milkha-bhaag-tax-free-1866316 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180302050211/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-all-india-sikh-students-federation-asks-jharkhand-govt-to-make-bhaag-milkha-bhaag-tax-free-1866316 |archive-date=2018-03-02 |access-date=2015-09-12}}</ref>

On Annual Session of AISSF Karnail Singh declared to resign from his office and hand over the reins of AISSF to students by 14 March,2017 in presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji.He abolished the organisational structure and formed a students ad-hoc committee. A special session of AISSF was called upon by student ad-hoc committee on 9 April, which decided for retirement of Karnail Singh PirMohammad and Jagroop Singh Cheema from their offices and basic membership of AISSF by declaring it a completely Sikh youth students body.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-04-09 |title=Students Announce to Remove Karnail Singh Peer Mohammad as AISSF chief |url=http://sikhsiyasat.net/2017/04/09/students-announce-remove-karnail-singh-peer-mohammad-aissf-chief/ |access-date=2017-04-10 |website=Sikh Siyasat News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2017-04-09 |title=ਆਲ ਇੰਡੀਆ ਸਿੱਖ ਸਟੂਡੈਂਟਸ ਫੈਡਰੇਸ਼ਨ ‘ਚ ਬਗਾਵਤ,ਐਡਹਾਕ ਕਮੇਟੀ ਮੈਂਬਰਾਂ ਨੇ ਪੀਰਮੁਹੰਮਦ ‘ਤੇ ਕੀਤੀ ਕਾਰਵਾਈ |url=http://www.jagopunjab.net/archives/14464 |access-date=2017-04-10 |work=Jago Punjab |language=en-US}}</ref> A constitutional committee under the command of Bhai Anmoldeep Singh to restructure the AISSF and draft the new constitution of the students body.<ref>{{Cite news |title=ਆਲ ਇੰਡੀਆ ਸਿੱਖ ਸਟੂਡੈਂਟਸ ਫੈਡਰੇਸ਼ਨ ਦੀ ਐਡਹਾਕ ਕਮੇਟੀ ਨੇ ਭਾਈ ਕਰਨੈਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਪੀਰ ਮੁਹੰਮਦ ਨੂੰ ਸੇਵਾ ਮੁਕਤ ਕੀਤਾ |url=http://sikhsangharsh.com/39697 |access-date=2017-04-10 |work=SikhSangharsh.Com |language=en-US}}</ref>

On 13 September 2022 All-India Sikh Students’ Federation celebrated its 78th Foundation Day. Abiding by SAD chief [[Sukhbir Singh Badal|Sukhbir Badal's]] five-member unity committee having [[Virsa Singh Valtoha]], Rajinder Singh Mehta, [[Karnail Singh Peer Mohammad]], Amarjit Singh Chawla and Gurcharan Singh Grewal as their members, the AISSF dissolved its organisational structure. The Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh had given a call to the splinter factions to join hands for the propagation of Sikhism, both politically and religiously.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Service |first=Tribune News |title=Amritsar: All-India Sikh Students' Federation calls for unity |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/amritsar-aissf-calls-for-unity-431450 |access-date=2022-09-14 |website=Tribuneindia News Service |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Service |first=Tribune News |title=AISSF should unite to revive Akali Dal, says Akal Takht Jathedar |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/aissf-should-unite-to-revive-akali-dal-says-takht-jathedar-423969 |access-date=2022-09-14 |website=Tribuneindia News Service |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-12 |title=Not a pressure group to further SAD's political goals: All India Sikh Students Federation faction |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/not-a-pressure-group-to-further-sad-s-political-goals-all-india-sikh-students-federation-faction-101662926775213.html |access-date=2022-09-14 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>

The 79th anniversary of the founding of the All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF) was marked with an event held at Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha located at Guru Nanak Mission Chowk. During the event, three resolutions were adopted. The first resolution called upon the government to restrict the recruitment of individuals from outside the Punjab region for government positions within the state. Additionally, there was a demand for the transfer of management of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) to Punjab. The members also addressed concerns related to the release of Sikh prisoners and measures to combat drug addiction.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-09-14 |title=AISSF observes foundation day |work=[[The Tribune]] |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jalandhar/aissf-observes-foundation-day-544457 |access-date=2023-09-15}}</ref>

==Sikh Students Federation factions==
The '''Sikh Students Federation''' formed in 1944 is now divided into various factions.

*''Sikh Students Federation'' led by Parmjeet Singh Gazi.<ref>{{cite news|title=Paramjit Singh Gazi, Harsimran Singh, youth leader Bhai Prabhjot Singh and Bhai Paramjit Singh Tanda were also present.|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/chandigarh/dal-khalsa-youth-wing-protests-nanak-shah-fakir-release/article1-1337199.aspx|access-date=2015-09-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150812074731/http://www.hindustantimes.com/chandigarh/dal-khalsa-youth-wing-protests-nanak-shah-fakir-release/article1-1337199.aspx|archive-date=2015-08-12|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was reorganized in 2001 and Sewak Singh, a Student from [[Punjabi University]] was elected as president. After Sewak Singh, Mandhir Singh headed the organization until 2007 January. Later Parmjeet Singh alias Gazi, a student of higher studies in law at [[Punjabi University]] Patiala, became the president of the organization.<ref>{{cite news|title=The Sikh Students Federation|url=http://www.countercurrents.org/ssf140610.htm|access-date=2015-09-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304084308/http://www.countercurrents.org/ssf140610.htm|archive-date=2016-03-04|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=About Us, SikhStudentsFederation.Net|url=http://www.sikhstudentsfederation.net/?cat=28|access-date=2013-07-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130710143152/http://www.sikhstudentsfederation.net/?cat=28|archive-date=2013-07-10|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*''All India Sikh Students Federation formerly'' led by [[Karnail Singh Peer Mohammad]].<ref>{{cite news|title=AISSF head Bhai Karnail Singh exuded confidence that Kejriwal will give justice to families of 1984 riot victims.|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-02-10/news/59005193_1_delhi-assembly-elections-aap-party-leader|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217093555/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-02-10/news/59005193_1_delhi-assembly-elections-aap-party-leader|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 17, 2015}}</ref>
*''United Sikh Students Federation'' currently led by Jugraj Singh Majhail, was formed in 2019 in an effort to unite various student groups and eliminate the politics associated with current student federations. Uniquely, this faction requires its members to be students, following the original requirements of the Federation. Branches currently exist within India and the US.{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}}
*
*''Sikh Students Federation (Grewal-Mann)'' faction led by Samarjeet Singh Mann and Gurcharan Singh Grewal as its president.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sikh Students Federation stages protest against Dera chief|url=http://zeenews.india.com/home/sikh-students-federation-stages-protest-against-dera-chief_461632.html|access-date=2015-09-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304084034/http://zeenews.india.com/home/sikh-students-federation-stages-protest-against-dera-chief_461632.html|archive-date=2016-03-04|url-status=live}}</ref>

• Sikh Student Federation Bajrur was formed under the chairmanship of Pritpal Singh Haveli]

==See also==
* [[Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad]]
* [[National Students' Union of India]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20150507050227/http://aissf.in/backvideo.aspx Official History]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070927001948/http://www.sikh-history.com/sikhhist/institutes/sikh_students_federation.html All India Sikh Students Federation]

{{Sikh politics}}
{{Sikhism}}
{{Khalistan movement}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Sikh political parties]]
[[Category:Political parties established in 1944]]
[[Category:Students' unions in India]]
[[Category:Student organizations established in 1944]]
[[Category:1944 establishments in India]]

All-India Sikh Students' Federation - Revision history

LaverneHenry at 16:34, 13 February 2025