Toronto: Thousands of Sikhs in Canada took part in a referendum for a new state in Indian Punjab. The Indian government tried to influence Canada to take action against the growing pro-Khalistan sentiments, but it was unsuccessful.
Khalistan Referendum voting was held in Toronto, Canada on 18 September. Sikhs expressed their desire to hold referendum for freedom through legitimate/ democratic means. SFJ’s Counsel General Gurpatwant Singh Pannun said, “Thousands of Canadian Sikhs congregated at the Ardas (Sikh prayers) to offer their support for the Khalistan Referendum.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun said, Khalistan Referendum has caused nightmares to the Modi regime. In a report, Canadian Think Tanks have acknowledged Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), who is rightly campaigning to raise awareness and pressurize India to hold an official referendum on the creation of Khalistan.
More: Canadian think tank’s report endorses Khalistan Referendum
Khalistan Referendum has drawn fierce opposition from New Delhi, Indian media and pro-India segments of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). Indian government has been pro-actively labelling and equating the unofficial referendum on Khalistan as “terrorism” and has declared SFJ as an illegal organisation under the controversial Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) of India.
Already, SFJ leader Pannu called for a referendum on Khalistan, separation from the mainland, by 26 January 2023. Pannu has urged the Sikh community to support the Khalistan referendum to create a Sikh homeland in “Indian Occupied Punjab”.
He maintained, “Once Sikhs have Khalistan, all those involved in non-state and state terrorism against Sikhs will be held accountable under the international laws”. Sikh leader called upon Sikh bodies such as Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) to openly support 26 January 2023 voting for the referendum in India. Web Desk
