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]
| Date | Ongoing |
|---|---|
| Venue | India, Canada, United Kingdom, Italy, Switzerland, Australia |
| Type | Referendum |
| Theme | Potential creation of an independent Sikh state Khalistan |
BackgroundEdit
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 by countryEdit
CanadaEdit
According to reports, 100,000 people participated in the Khalistan referendum in Brampton on September 19 2022.[1]
United KingdomEdit
On January 9, 2022, the 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]
AustraliaEdit
The Australian chapter's referendum for Khalistan's independence was held on January 29 2023 in Federation Square in Melbourne.[7]
ItalyEdit
On the initiative of the advocacy group Sikhs For Justice, about 17,000 Sikhs participated in the Khalistan referendum in Rome.[8][9]
SwitzerlandEdit
On December 10, 2022, 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]
ReferencesEdit
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "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.
- ↑ "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.
- ↑ "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.
- ↑ "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.
- ↑ "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.
- ↑ "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. 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.