Khalistan Referendum

The Khalistan Referendum is an unofficial referendum organized by the Sikhs for Justice across multiple countries regarding the potential creation of an independent Sikh state known as Khalistan from within the territory of India.[1] The goal of the exercise is to seek a consensus among diasporic Sikhs for the formation of Khalistan.[2]

Khalistan Referendum
Map of Punjab, India with flag of Khalistan movement.
DateOngoing
VenueIndia, Canada, United Kingdom, Italy, Switzerland, Australia
TypeReferendum
ThemePotential creation of an independent Sikh state known as Khalistan

Background

Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which was banned in India in 2019, intends to conduct the referendum in Punjab and major cities worldwide. The Indian government has accused Canada of permitting extremists to carry out activities that are "deeply objectionable" and "politically motivated," which pose a threat to India's integrity. While Canadian authorities have defended the exercise as an exercise of freedom of speech the Khalistani campaign has become a contentious issue in the relationship between New Delhi and Ottawa. There are numerous cases registered in India against the SFJ and its founder, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.[3][4][5]

Referendum held countries

Canada

According to reports, 100,000 people participated in the Khalistan Referendum in Brampton on September 19 to support the need for a separate country for Sikhs in India. 20% of the adult Sikh population in Canada, or about 110,000 Sikhs, cast ballots in favor of an independent nation.[1]

United Kingdom

On January 9, 2022, the United Kingdom's cities of Leeds and Luton hosted the eighth round of the Khalistan Referendum. According to a report from Kashmir Media Service, about 30,000 Sikhs took part in the first phase of the Khalistan referendum in London on October 31, 2016.[6][1]

Australia

The Australian chapter's referendum for Khalistan's independence was held on January 29 in Federation Square in Melbourne.[7]

Italy

On the initiative of the advocacy group Sikhs For Justice, about 17,000 Sikhs participated in the Khalistan Referendum in the Italian capital Rome.[8][9]

Switzerland

On December 10, 2022, more over 6,000 voters in Geneva, Switzerland, chose a sovereign Sikh state. Over 6,000 Sikhs from Switzerland and neighboring France, Italy, and Germany converged in Geneva to vote in the non-binding Khalistan Referendum despite a heavy snow and rain storm.[10][11]

References
  1. "What is the Khalistan referendum, and why is India is so concerned about Canada?". Independent.co.uk. 23 September 2022.
  2. "What is the 'Khalistan referendum' and where does Australia stand on the issue?". SBS Language. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  3. "Australia tells Modi it can't stop Khalistan Referendum voting". 19 March 2023.
  4. "Sikh diaspora will vote to establish separate Sikh state in India". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 25 January 2023.
  5. "60,000 Australian Sikhs vote for Khalistan Referendum". 29 January 2023.
  6. "8th phase of Khalistan Referendum being held in UK cities today". www.radio.gov.pk. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  7. "Khalistan referendum to take place in Australia on Sunday". The Express Tribune. 2023-01-28. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  8. "Over 200,000 Sikhs take part in Khalistan referendums". The Express Tribune. 2022-09-29. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  9. "Sikhs hold referendum in Italy for creation of Khalistan". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  10. "Over 200,000 Sikhs take part in Khalistan referendums". The Express Tribune. 2022-09-29. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  11. "Over 6,000 Sikhs in Geneva vote for Khalistan Referendum despite snowstorm". www.geo.tv. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
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