Thousands of Sikhs gathered at Calgary’s iconic Municipal Plaza to participate in the Khalistan Referendum voting, organized by the pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). This event aimed to gauge the opinion of Sikhs in Canada’s Alberta province on the creation of an independent state of Khalistan for the Sikh nation. An estimated one million Sikhs reside in Canada, with nearly 100,000 in Calgary.
The family of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Khalistani figure, was the first to cast their votes, surrounded by other notable supporters. The SFJ leader dedicated the Calgary voting to nine Canadian Sikhs, whom he claimed were assassinated by India for their support of Khalistan. This event follows the assassination of Nijjar, which has intensified feelings within the Sikh community.
The referendum process, which includes a question on whether Indian-governed Punjab should be an independent country, is being overseen by the Punjab Referendum Commission (PRC). The PRC ensures transparency in the voting process, from registration to the supervision of ballot boxes. This non-binding referendum seeks to gather opinions from Sikhs worldwide before presenting the results to the United Nations.
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Veteran Khalistani leader Dr. Bakhshish Singh Sandhu, President of the Council of Khalistan, has criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of targeting Sikhs in Western countries and labeling such actions as transnational terrorism. Sandhu claims that despite Indian pressure, the governments of Canada and the United States remain committed to democratic principles and are aware of India’s alleged intentions.
Sandhu further alleges that India has set bounties on pro-Khalistan leaders and has attempted to coerce Western countries into canceling the referendum. He asserts that the Sikh community is undeterred by these actions and remains committed to their cause.
The Mayor of Calgary, Jyoti Gondek, has stated that the city council cannot stop the voting event, as it is a legitimate democratic exercise. The referendum, which began in London in October 2021, has since taken place in several countries and cities, including those in the UK, Switzerland, Italy, Australia, the United States, and Canada. The event in Calgary is the latest phase of this ongoing global voting campaign.
