Khalistan Referendum
{{Short description|Referendum on creation of a Sikh state in India}}
{{pp-semi-indef|small=yes}}
{{Infobox event
| name = Khalistan Referendum
| image = Banner of the Khalistan Referendum.png
| partof = the Khalistan movement
| caption = Banner of the Khalistan Referendum
| date = 31 October 2021 – present
| venue = {{flag|Australia}}
{{flag|Canada}}
{{flag|Italy}}
{{flag|New Zealand}}
{{flag|Switzerland}}
{{flag|United Kingdom}}
{{flag|United States}}
| type = Referendum
| theme = Potential creation of an independent Sikh state
| website = Referendum2020.org
}}
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.{{cite web | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/india/canada-khalistan-referendum-india-sikhs-b2173723.html | title=What is the Khalistan referendum, and why is India is so concerned about Canada? | website=Independent.co.uk | date=23 September 2022 | access-date=20 March 2023 | archive-date=20 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320104445/https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/india/canada-khalistan-referendum-india-sikhs-b2173723.html | url-status=live }} The proposed state will include Indian Punjab, as well as Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and several districts of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.[https://tribune.com.pk/story/2326088/sikhs-for-justice-releases-new-map-of-khalistan Sikhs for Justice releases new map of Khalistan, Express Tribune, October 23, 2021] Its goal is to seek a consensus among diasporic Sikhs for the creation of a nation-state to be called Khalistan.{{Cite web |title=What is the 'Khalistan referendum' and where does Australia stand on the issue? |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/language/punjabi/en/podcast-episode/what-is-the-khalistan-referendum-and-what-is-the-australian-governments-stand-on-the-issue/p9cepjlz7 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322052447/https://www.sbs.com.au/language/punjabi/en/podcast-episode/what-is-the-khalistan-referendum-and-what-is-the-australian-governments-stand-on-the-issue/p9cepjlz7 |archive-date=2023-03-22 |access-date=2023-03-22 |website=SBS Language |language=en}}
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.{{cite web | url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/1074605/australia-tells-modi-it-cant-stop-khalistan-referendum-voting/amp/ | title=Australia tells Modi it can't stop Khalistan Referendum voting | date=19 March 2023 | access-date=20 March 2023 | archive-date=19 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319073403/https://dailytimes.com.pk/1074605/australia-tells-modi-it-cant-stop-khalistan-referendum-voting/amp/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/religionandethicsreport/sikh-diaspora-vote-khalistan-referendum/101887166 | title=Sikh diaspora will vote to establish separate Sikh state in India | website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation | date=25 January 2023 | access-date=20 March 2023 | archive-date=19 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319073408/https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/religionandethicsreport/sikh-diaspora-vote-khalistan-referendum/101887166 | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.tribune.com.pk/story/2398312/60000-australian-sikhs-defy-modi-in-vote-for-khalistan-referendum%3famp=1 | title=60,000 Australian Sikhs vote for Khalistan Referendum | date=29 January 2023 | access-date=20 March 2023 | archive-date=29 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129175939/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2398312/60000-australian-sikhs-defy-modi-in-vote-for-khalistan-referendum?amp=1 | url-status=live }} In India, politicians in Punjab say the Khalistan movement there has been practically nonexistent for decades.[https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/01/world/asia/khalistan-movement-sikh-india.html Alleged Plot to Kill Sikh Separatist Highlights Thorn in India’s Side, Sameer Yasir, New York Times, Dec. 1, 2023][https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/06/india/india-canada-sikh-khalistan-analysis-intl-hnk/index.html Why is India so worried about Sikh separatist calls for Khalistan?, Rhea Mogul, CNN, October 6, 2023]
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.{{Cite web |title=8th phase of Khalistan Referendum being held in UK cities today |url=https://www.radio.gov.pk/09-01-2022/8th-phase-of-khalistan-referendum-being-held-in-uk-cities-today |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322112544/https://www.radio.gov.pk/09-01-2022/8th-phase-of-khalistan-referendum-being-held-in-uk-cities-today |archive-date=2023-03-22 |access-date=2023-03-22 |website=www.radio.gov.pk |language=en}} A similar referendum was held in London in November 2021 with campaigners claiming that some 10,000 people participated.{{Cite web |title=What is the Khalistan referendum, and why is India is so concerned about what's happening in Canada? |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/india/canada-khalistan-referendum-india-sikhs-b2173723.html |access-date=2023-09-23 |website=www.independent.co.uk|date=23 September 2022 }} On 9 January 2022, the cities of Leeds and Luton hosted the eighth round of the Khalistan Referendum.{{Cite web |title=8th phase of Khalistan Referendum being held in UK cities today |url=https://www.radio.gov.pk/09-01-2022/8th-phase-of-khalistan-referendum-being-held-in-uk-cities-today |access-date=2024-04-01 |website=www.radio.gov.pk |language=en}}
= 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.{{Cite web |title=Over 6,000 Sikhs in Geneva vote for Khalistan Referendum despite snowstorm |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/387060-over-6000-sikhs-in-geneva-vote-for-khalistan-referendum-defying-snowstorm |access-date=2023-03-22 |website=www.geo.tv |language=en |archive-date=2023-03-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322052447/https://www.geo.tv/latest/387060-over-6000-sikhs-in-geneva-vote-for-khalistan-referendum-defying-snowstorm |url-status=live }}
= 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.{{Cite web |date=2022-09-29 |title=Over 200,000 Sikhs take part in Khalistan referendums |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2379266/over-200000-sikhs-take-part-in-khalistan-referendums-held-in-four-countries |access-date=2023-03-22 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en |archive-date=2023-04-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407131044/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2379266/over-200000-sikhs-take-part-in-khalistan-referendums-held-in-four-countries |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Sikhs hold referendum in Italy for creation of Khalistan |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/971250-sikhs-hold-referendum-in-italy-for-creation-of-khalistan |access-date=2023-03-22 |website=www.thenews.com.pk |language=en |archive-date=2023-02-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210062535/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/971250-sikhs-hold-referendum-in-italy-for-creation-of-khalistan |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2022-09-29 |title=Over 200,000 Sikhs take part in Khalistan referendums |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2379266/over-200000-sikhs-take-part-in-khalistan-referendums-held-in-four-countries |access-date=2024-04-01 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}
= Canada =
On 19 September 2022, according to reports, 110,000 people participated in the Khalistan referendum in Brampton. 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.{{cite news |title='This is not a fringe movement': Tens of thousands turn out for Khalistan vote held at Surrey gurdwara {{!}} Globalnews.ca |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9951463/thousands-khalistan-vote-surrey/ |work=Global News}} On 29 October 2023, a third referendum round was held, again in Surrey.{{Cite web |title=SFJ announces another round of Khalistan referendum|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/sfj-announces-another-round-of-khalistan-referendum-101694670326200.html |access-date=2023-09-29 |website=hindustantimes.com |date=14 September 2023 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/world/khalistan-referendums-over-2-lakh-cast-vote-on-sikh-independence-in-canada-justin-trudeau-targets-narendra-modi-govt-11698657458512.html|title=Phase 2 of unofficial Khalistan referendum held in Canada's Surrey; combined voter count crosses 2 lakh, claims SFJ}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/sfj-announces-another-phase-of-khalistan-referendum-101698403343782.html|title=SFJ announces another phase of Khalistan referendum}}{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/khalistan-referendum-event-held-at-gurdwara-in-canadas-surrey-town/articleshow/103569794.cms?from=mdr|title=Khalistan Referendum event held at gurdwara in Canada's Surrey town}} 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.{{Cite web |title=Over 55,000 Canadian Sikhs take part in Calgary Khalistan Referendum |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/556483-over-55000-canadian-sikhs-take-part-in-calgary-khalistan-referendum |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=www.geo.tv |language=en}}
= Australia =
On 29 January 2023, the Australian chapter's referendum for Khalistan's independence was held in Federation Square in Melbourne.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-28 |title=Khalistan referendum to take place in Australia on Sunday |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2398146/khalistan-referendum-to-take-place-in-australia-on-sunday |access-date=2023-03-22 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en |archive-date=2023-03-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322115055/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2398146/khalistan-referendum-to-take-place-in-australia-on-sunday |url-status=live }} 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.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-30 |title=Brawl breaks out over Khalistan referendum in Australia; India raises concerns with authorities |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/brawl-khalistan-referendum-australia-india-8412876/ |access-date=2023-03-29 |website=The Indian Express |language=en }}{{Cite web |date=2023-06-04 |title=Amid Hindutva threats, venue cancellations to stop Khalistan Referendum, 31000 Australian Sikhs vote in Sydney |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/06/04/amid-hindutva-threats-venue-cancellations-to-stop-khalistan-referendum-31000-australian-sikhs-vote-in-sydney/ |access-date=2024-04-01 |language=en-US}}
=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.{{Cite web |last=Mujaddid |first=Dr Ghulam |date=2024-02-03 |title=America and the Khalistan Referendum |url=https://stratheia.com/america-and-the-khalistan-referendum/ |access-date=2024-04-01 |website=Stratheia |language=en-US}} On 31 March 2024, second phase of referendum was held in Sacramento, California. where around 61,000 people participated.{{Cite web |title=Over 200,000 American Sikhs vote in Khalistan referendum in California |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1175132-over-200-000-american-sikhs-vote-in-khalistan-referendum-in-california |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=www.thenews.com.pk |language=en}} On 23 March 2025, a referendum was held in Los Angeles with over 35,000 Sikhs participating. The next referendum event is scheduled to be held on 17 August 2025 in Washington DC.{{Cite web |title=Sikhs' successful referendum to make Khalistan concludes in Los Angeles |url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/World/875095-sikhs-successful-referendum-to-make-khalistan-concludes-in-los-angele |language=en}}
=New Zealand=
On 17 November 2024, thousands attended a referendum in Auckland's Aotea Square and the total votes cast were over 37,000.{{cite news |title=Auckland ‘referendum’ on Khalistan attracts thousands |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/indonz/534118/auckland-referendum-on-khalistan-attracts-thousands |access-date=18 November 2024 |work=RNZ |date=18 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241118052413/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/indonz/534118/auckland-referendum-on-khalistan-attracts-thousands |archive-date=18 November 2024}} 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.{{cite news |last1=Sharma |first1=Gaurav |title=Khalistan ‘referendum’ in Auckland discussed at top diplomatic levels |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/indonz/533256/khalistan-referendum-in-auckland-discussed-at-top-diplomatic-levels |access-date=18 November 2024 |work=RNZ |date=8 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241118053741/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/indonz/533256/khalistan-referendum-in-auckland-discussed-at-top-diplomatic-levels |archive-date=18 November 2024}}{{Cite web |title=Over 37,000 Sikhs vote in New Zealand Khalistan Referendum |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/574836-over-37000-sikhs-vote-in-new-zealand-khalistan-referendum |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=www.geo.tv |language=en}}