Map of Khalistan proposed by the Sikhs for Justice
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]
