The Khalistan Referendum is an unofficial non binding referendum organized by the Sikhs for Justice across multiple countries regarding the potential creation of a separate Sikh state from within the territory of India.[1] The proposed state will include Indian Punjab, as well as Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and several districts of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.[2] Its goal is to seek a consensus among diasporic Sikhs for the creation of a nation-state to be called Khalistan.[3]
| Part of the Khalistan movement | |
 Banner of the Khalistan Referendum | |
| Date | 31 October 2021 – present |
|---|---|
| Venue |  Australia Canada Italy New Zealand Switzerland United Kingdom United States |
| Type | Referendum |
| Theme | Potential creation of an independent Sikh state |
| Website | Referendum2020.org |
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.[4][5][6] In India, politicians in Punjab say the Khalistan movement there has been practically nonexistent for decades.[7][8]
Referendum by country
United Kingdom
On 31 October 2021, about 30,000 Sikhs took part in the first phase of the Khalistan referendum in London.[9][1] A similar referendum was held in London in November 2021 with campaigners claiming that some 10,000 people participated.[10] On 9 January 2022, the cities of Leeds and Luton hosted the eighth round of the Khalistan Referendum.[11]
Switzerland
On 10 December 2021, 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.[12][13]
Italy
On 4 July 2022, on the initiative of the advocacy group Sikhs For Justice, about 62,000 Sikhs participated in the Khalistan referendum in Rome.[12][14][15]
Canada
On 19 September 2022, according to reports, 110,000 people participated in the Khalistan referendum in Brampton.[1] The referendum results were not disclosed by SFJ. A second referendum was held on 10 September 2023 at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia.[16] On 29 October 2023, a third referendum round was held, again in Surrey.[17][18][19][20] The group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) claimed that combined voter count crossed 200,000 (2 lakh). On 28 July 2024, a fourth round of referendum was held in Calgary, according to media reports 55,000 people participated in referendum.[21]
Australia
On 29 January 2023, the Australian chapter's referendum for Khalistan's independence was held in Federation Square in Melbourne.[22] The referendum results were not disclosed by SFJ some sources cited that over 31,000 people participated in referendum. The referendum was marred by violence, with two Sikh activists detained after two people were injured in a brawl at a polling station.[23][24]
United States
On 28 January 2024, about 127,000 people cast their ballots in the American phase of Khalistan Referendum held at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, California.[25] On 31 March 2024, second phase of referendum was held in Sacramento, California. where around 61,000 people participated.[26]
New Zealand
On 17 November 2024, thousands attended a referendum in Auckland's Aotea Square.[27] In early November 2024, Indian Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar had raised concerns with New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters about the planned Auckland referendum.[28]
References
- ^ a b c "What is the Khalistan referendum, and why is India is so concerned about Canada?". Independent.co.uk. 23 September 2022. Archived from the original on 20 March 2023. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
- ^ Sikhs for Justice releases new map of Khalistan, Express Tribune, October 23, 2021
- ^ "What is the 'Khalistan referendum' and where does Australia stand on the issue?". SBS Language. Archived from the original on 2023-03-22. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
- ^ "Australia tells Modi it can't stop Khalistan Referendum voting". 19 March 2023. Archived from the original on 19 March 2023. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
- ^ "Sikh diaspora will vote to establish separate Sikh state in India". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 25 January 2023. Archived from the original on 19 March 2023. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
- ^ "60,000 Australian Sikhs vote for Khalistan Referendum". 29 January 2023. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
- ^ Alleged Plot to Kill Sikh Separatist Highlights Thorn in India’s Side, Sameer Yasir, New York Times, Dec. 1, 2023
- ^ Why is India so worried about Sikh separatist calls for Khalistan?, Rhea Mogul, CNN, October 6, 2023
- ^ "8th phase of Khalistan Referendum being held in UK cities today". www.radio.gov.pk. Archived from the original on 2023-03-22. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
- ^ "What is the Khalistan referendum, and why is India is so concerned about what's happening in Canada?". www.independent.co.uk. 23 September 2022. Retrieved 2023-09-23.
- ^ "8th phase of Khalistan Referendum being held in UK cities today". www.radio.gov.pk. Retrieved 2024-04-01.
- ^ a b "Over 200,000 Sikhs take part in Khalistan referendums". The Express Tribune. 2022-09-29. Archived from the original on 2023-04-07. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
- ^ "Over 6,000 Sikhs in Geneva vote for Khalistan Referendum despite snowstorm". www.geo.tv. Archived from the original on 2023-03-22. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
- ^ "Sikhs hold referendum in Italy for creation of Khalistan". www.thenews.com.pk. Archived from the original on 2023-02-10. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
- ^ "Over 200,000 Sikhs take part in Khalistan referendums". The Express Tribune. 2022-09-29. Retrieved 2024-04-01.
- ^ "'This is not a fringe movement': Tens of thousands turn out for Khalistan vote held at Surrey gurdwara | Globalnews.ca". Global News.
- ^ "SFJ announces another round of Khalistan referendum". hindustantimes.com. 14 September 2023. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
- ^ "Phase 2 of unofficial Khalistan referendum held in Canada's Surrey; combined voter count crosses 2 lakh, claims SFJ".
- ^ "SFJ announces another phase of Khalistan referendum".
- ^ "Khalistan Referendum event held at gurdwara in Canada's Surrey town".
- ^ "Over 55,000 Canadian Sikhs take part in Calgary Khalistan Referendum". www.geo.tv. Retrieved 2024-07-30.
- ^ "Khalistan referendum to take place in Australia on Sunday". The Express Tribune. 2023-01-28. Archived from the original on 2023-03-22. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
- ^ "Brawl breaks out over Khalistan referendum in Australia; India raises concerns with authorities". The Indian Express. 2023-01-30. Retrieved 2023-03-29.
- ^ "Amid Hindutva threats, venue cancellations to stop Khalistan Referendum, 31000 Australian Sikhs vote in Sydney". 2023-06-04. Retrieved 2024-04-01.
- ^ Mujaddid, Dr Ghulam (2024-02-03). "America and the Khalistan Referendum". Stratheia. Retrieved 2024-04-01.
- ^ "Over 200,000 American Sikhs vote in Khalistan referendum in California". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 2024-04-03.
- ^ "Auckland 'referendum' on Khalistan attracts thousands". RNZ. 18 November 2024. Archived from the original on 18 November 2024. Retrieved 18 November 2024.
- ^ Sharma, Gaurav (8 November 2024). "Khalistan 'referendum' in Auckland discussed at top diplomatic levels". RNZ. Archived from the original on 18 November 2024. Retrieved 18 November 2024.