Sikhs for Justice, led by Hardeep Singh Nijjar before his tragic death in 2023, is organizing a referendum in Ottawa to advocate for an independent Sikh Punjab known as “Khalistan.” This move coincides with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s planned meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 summit in South Africa.
This non-binding referendum marks the seventh such event conducted by the group in Canada since September 2022. The first vote was held in Brampton, Ont., prompting a travel advisory from India due to reported increases in “hate crimes, sectarian violence, and anti-India activities” in Canada.
Subsequent voting rounds took place in Surrey, B.C., with claimed turnouts of 200,000, followed by additional rounds in Mississauga, Ont., and Calgary in 2024. Despite the varying locations, the specific turnout figures remain unverified by CBC News.
While the Sikh community in Ottawa is smaller compared to Toronto and Vancouver, organizers anticipate attendees from Montreal and other regions to participate in the referendum.
The Indian government has previously regarded the referendum movement as a challenge to its sovereignty. However, the Indian High Commission refrained from commenting on the upcoming referendum in Canada, stating it is a matter for Canadians.
Inderjeet Singh Gosal now leads the Canadian branch of Sikhs for Justice following Nijjar’s death. Facing threats on his life, Gosal was arrested in September in Whitby, Ont., on firearms charges. Despite charges being dropped for two other activists, Gosal’s legal matters persist as he prepares to attend the referendum.
Regarding security concerns, Gosal, who declined personal protection, assured that precautions have been taken for the event, starting at the McNabb Arena and Community Centre and concluding with a commemoration of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
Expressing criticism, Gosal highlighted the ongoing violence within the Sikh community and questioned the decision to normalize diplomatic relations with India. He cited a statement by the RCMP, warning of Indian officials engaging in clandestine activities in Canada, as evidence of continued threats.
Gosal emphasized that the situation has not improved and expressed dismay over the lack of change despite recent interactions with the RCMP.