In 1981, the state of Punjab in India witnessed a spate of targeted attacks by Khalistani separatists, particularly against Punjabi Hindus. The Khalistan movement, which aimed at creating a separate Sikh state called Khalistan, had gained momentum in the 1980s and turned violent with various extremist factions resorting to acts of terrorism. The year 1987 was marked by a series of heinous crimes that intensified the already-existing tensions between communities in the region.

Punjabi Hindus, despite being a significant part of Punjab’s composite culture, were often singled out and targeted by some extremist Khalistani groups. These attacks not only sowed seeds of distrust and fear among the communities.

This is a broad overview, and specifics about individual attacks or events can be further elaborated upon if needed. It’s also important to note that the broader Sikh community denounced the acts of violence and that the actions of a few extremists don’t represent the beliefs and values of the entire community.