Key points
- Next referendum will be held on August 17 in Washington DC
- Sikhs thank Trump administration for allowing the referendum to happen
- Sikhs across the world are sending a clear message to India: Sikh leader
ISLAMABAD: The voting process for the Khalistan Referendum which commenced in Los Angeles concluded with around 35,000 Sikhs participating in the referendum, casting their votes to support the creation of Khalistan in Indian Punjab.
Sikh leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, from the Sikhs for Justice organisation, announced that the next Khalistan Referendum will be held in Washington, DC.
He expressed gratitude to the Trump administration for allowing the referendum to take place.
“Sikhs across the world are sending a clear message to India,” Pannun stated.
According to Samaa TV, the next referendum is scheduled to take place on August 17 as the movement gains momentum among the global Sikh diaspora.
Sikhs across the world are sending a clear message to India.” – Sikh leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun
The Sikh community eagerly participated and viewed it as a crucial step towards their long-awaited freedom from decades of alleged Indian oppression.
Preparations for the referendum in Washington are in full swing, with Sikh activists considering it a significant milestone in their struggle for an independent Khalistan.
Movement gains momentum
The movement, which advocates for a separate Sikh homeland, has gained momentum following the assassination of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Investigations have pointed to the involvement of India’s intelligence agency, RAW, in his killing, further straining relations between Canada and India.
The targeted killings of Sikh leaders in foreign countries have raised serious concerns about India’s global reputation, with many questioning its alleged involvement in overseas operations.
Analysts argue that India has a history of engaging in foreign terrorism, and the referendum serves as a message that Sikhs, no matter where they are in the world, remain determined in their quest for self-determination.
Amid growing international scrutiny, concerns over the safety of religious minorities in India continue to rise.
