Khalistan Referendum
DateOngoing
VenueCanada, United Kingdom, Italy, Switzerland, Australia
TypeReferendum
ThemePotential creation of an independent Sikh state Khalistan
Websitewww.referendum2020.org/

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 was to seek a consensus among diasporic Sikhs for the formation of Khalistan.[2]

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.[3][4][5]

Referendum by country

United Kingdom

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 31 October 2021.[6][1] A similar referendum was held in London in November 2021 with campaigners claiming that some 10,000 to 12,000 people participated. However, other reports say just 100-150 people showed up in the initial hours of the referendum.[7] On 9 January 2022, the cities of Leeds and Luton hosted the eighth round of the Khalistan Referendum.

Canada

According to reports, 100,000 people participated in the Khalistan referendum in Brampton on 19 September 2022.[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.[8]On 29 October 2023, a third referendum round was held, again in Surrey.[9] [10][11][12] The group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) claimed that combined voter count crossed 200,000 (2 lakh).

Australia

The Australian chapter's referendum for Khalistan's independence was held on 29 January 2023 in Federation Square in Melbourne.[13] The referendum results were not disclosed by SFJ. The referendum was marred by violence, with two Sikh activists detained after two people were injured in a brawl at a polling station.[14]

Italy

On the initiative of the advocacy group Sikhs For Justice, about 17,000 Sikhs participated in the Khalistan referendum in Rome.[15][16]

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.[17][18]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "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.
  2. ↑ "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.
  3. ↑ "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.
  4. ↑ "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.
  5. ↑ "60,000 Australian Sikhs vote for Khalistan Referendum". 29 January 2023. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
  6. ↑ "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.
  7. ↑ "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.
  8. ↑ "'This is not a fringe movement': Tens of thousands turn out for Khalistan vote held at Surrey gurdwara | Globalnews.ca". Global News.
  9. ↑ "SFJ announces another round of Khalistan referendum". hindustantimes.com. 14 September 2023. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  10. ↑ "Phase 2 of unofficial Khalistan referendum held in Canada's Surrey; combined voter count crosses 2 lakh, claims SFJ".
  11. ↑ "SFJ announces another phase of Khalistan referendum".
  12. ↑ "Khalistan Referendum event held at gurdwara in Canada's Surrey town".
  13. ↑ "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.
  14. ↑ "Brawl breaks out over Khalistan referendum in Australia; India raises concerns with authorities". The Indian Express. 2023-01-30. Retrieved 2023-03-29.
  15. ↑ "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.
  16. ↑ "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.
  17. ↑ "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.
  18. ↑ "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.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.