`  ==Pre-independence  Sikh role against British colonialism in South Asia (1912-1947)== The status of the Sikhs as a third legitimate party to the sovereignty of British India, along with Hindus and Muslims, and the role played by the Sikhs to end British colonialism, are important factors that have contributed to the discourse on Khalistan. The Sikhs, who constituted about 1.1 percent of the population of British India,Singh, Iqbal, Punjab Under Siege: A Critical Analysis, New York: Allen, McMillan and Enderson, 1986, p. 33 played an arguably disproportionate role in the struggle to free the subcontinent of British colonialism. The table below summarises the Sikh contribution in the freedom movement. The data represents figures for those who served prison sentences, were deported to nearby islands in exile, faced capital punishment or enlisted in the Indian National Army, an armed militia that was organised by one section of Indian freedom fighters.   ==Section removed== Moved the following section to talk page. The role of the Sikhs in the Indian Independence Movement is of little consequence to this article. This can be moved into a new article.  ===Sikh involvement in Indian independence movement=== {| style=``width:75%; height:100px`` border=``1`` |-  | Type | All Communities | Sikhs | Percentage |-  | Prison term over 1-year | 2,125 | 1,550 | 75% |- | Deported  | 2,646  | 2,147 | 80% |- | Indian National Army | 20,000 | 12,000 | 60% |} :Source: Singh, Iqbal, Punjab Under Siege: A Critical Analysis, New York: Allen, McMillan and Enderson, 1986, p. 33`