Thousands of Canadian Sikhs queued for hours in Ottawa to take part in an illegal so-called “Khalistan Referendum” organised by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a group banned in India under the UAPA for its extremist activities.
Footage from the event showed violent and inflammatory slogans, including chants of “kill” directed at Indian leaders and officials, while police liaison officers were seen watching but not intervening.
Visuals of the Indian national flag being desecrated also circulated widely online, drawing strong criticism from the Indian community and raising concerns about rising Khalistani extremism in Canada.
SFJ claimed that more than 53,000 Canadian Sikhs from Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec participated in the vote, calling the turnout a sign of strong support for the separatist cause.
“From new-born children to seniors using walkers, families remained in line all day. Thousands were still waiting when the 3pm closing time arrived, and voting continued to ensure they could cast their ballots,” the organisation said.
The group also questioned the timing of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in South Africa, saying it was “suspicious” given what they describe as momentum for the pro-Khalistan movement in Canada.
SFJ’s general counsel, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, designated a terrorist by India, addressed participants remotely through a satellite message. The event concluded with the alleged desecration of the Indian flag.
The development comes at a sensitive moment, as New Delhi and Ottawa have recently begun easing diplomatic tensions and restarting cooperation, including in the areas of security and counter-terrorism.
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