Thousands of Canadian Sikh community members participated in an unofficial Khalistan referendum in Ottawa on Sunday, braving extreme winter conditions to cast their votes for a separate homeland.
Massive Turnout in Freezing Conditions
More than 53,000 Canadian Sikhs from various provinces including Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec queued for hours in freezing temperatures, icy winds, and snow to participate in the event. The line stretched for approximately two kilometers as families, including newborn children and seniors using walkers, remained in line throughout the day.
Voting continued beyond the scheduled 3 PM closing time to accommodate the large number of people still waiting to cast their ballots. The event was organized by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), an organization that India has banned under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for its subversive activities.
Controversial Proceedings and Political Timing
The non-binding referendum asked participants to vote on whether they supported the creation of a separate homeland called Khalistan and whether Punjab should secede from India. Videos from Alberta-based Media Bezirgan showed Sikhs queuing around the block at the McNabb Community Centre.
Police liaison officers were present during the event while Khalistan supporters chanted aggressive slogans against Indian politicians and government officials. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the general counsel of SFJ who India has designated as a terrorist, addressed voters through a satellite message.
The organization specifically questioned why Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the margins of the G20 leaders' summit in South Africa on the same day as the referendum.
Conclusion with Flag Desecration
The controversial event concluded with the desecration of the Indian flag, marking a provocative end to the day-long proceedings. The referendum, though non-binding, represents ongoing tensions within certain segments of the Sikh diaspora regarding separatist movements.
The significant turnout despite harsh weather conditions demonstrates the strong feelings among some members of the Canadian Sikh community about the Khalistan issue, even as the Indian government maintains its firm stance against separatist activities.
