INDIANAPOLIS, United States: Sikh separatist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) announced Shimla as the proposed capital of the “Democratic Republic of Khalistan” during a referendum event held in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday.
SFJ General Counsel Gurpatwant Singh Pannun made the announcement while addressing the referendum gathering via video link. Pannun accused the Indian government of genocide against Sikhs.
Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) is a group founded in 2007 that campaigns for the secession of Punjab from India to create an independent Sikh state named Khalistan.
“SHIMLA” DECLARED THE CAPITAL OF KHALISTAN; PANNUN CALLS ON SIKHS TO “ARM” THEMSELVES AGAINST INDIA’S “SILENT GENOCIDE”
INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Standing before thousands of American Sikhs at the Punjab Independence Referendum at Richard G. Lugar Plaza in Indianapolis, Gurpatwant… pic.twitter.com/JszQLKHhOt
— Sikhs For Justice (@SFJ_US_Official) August 16, 2026
The event was organised by SFJ as part of its international campaign for an independent Sikh state.
Pannun unveils proposed Khalistan map
At the conclusion of the event, Pannun released a map showing the territory proposed by SFJ for Khalistan and declared Shimla the proposed capital.
He said Sikhs had a legal right to defend their religion and families. He also accused New Delhi of pursuing a “three-front war” against Punjab.
Pannun further said that Punjab’s young people were being devastated by drug use, while agricultural debt and financial hardship were driving Sikh farmers to suicide.
“India Cannot Stop the ‘Bullet of the Ballot’ — The Khalistan Referendum” —
THOUSANDS of American Sikhs braved a scorching heatwave in Indianapolis to vote For KHALISTAN: Hundreds still waiting in line at 5:00 PM were also allowed to vote in the Punjab Independence Referendum pic.twitter.com/72mrDxFXrF— Gurjot Singh (@jota_singh_sfj) August 17, 2026
He paid tribute to Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Talwinder Singh Parmar and Lakhbir Singh Rode during the event.
International participation in Khalistan referendum
The Khalistan referendum was held as supporters gathered from different US cities and states, according to organisers.
BREAKING ‼️
Massive Turnout!!!!!
The KHALISTAN REFERENDUM is jam-packed in Indiana, with Sikhs turning out in huge numbers to exercise their political voice on the question of an independent Punjab, Khalistan.
Reports from the ground show lines stretching over 1 kilometre,… pic.twitter.com/9NtbFQcO9n
— Narinder Singh Surrey (@Narinde29421937) August 16, 2026
Polling continued despite rainfall, with women and families with young children among those attending, organisers said.
THOUSANDS VOTE FOR KHALISTAN IN INDIANAPOLIS
“India Cannot Stop the ‘Bullet of the Ballot’ — The Khalistan Referendum” — Pannun
THOUSANDS of American Sikhs braved a scorching heatwave in Indianapolis to vote For KHALISTAN: Hundreds still waiting in line at 5:00 PM were also… https://t.co/4jxBsASHY6 pic.twitter.com/AuFuF7yjhu
— Gurpatwant Singh Pannun (@SFJGenCounsel) August 17, 2026
Participants raised slogans supporting Khalistan. Participants also raised slogans calling for freedom for Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Ghazala Habib, chairperson of Friends of Kashmir, addressed the gathering. She was the only non-Sikh speaker invited to speak from the stage. Slogans in support of IIOJK freedom were also raised during her appearance.
Khalistan referendum campaign
Vikramjit Singh, who is associated with the Khalistan referendum campaign, told participants that the movement was launched in 2020 but was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said the first vote was subsequently held in London on October 31, 2021, with thousands of Sikhs participating.
Singh said subsequent voting events had been held in Britain, Australia, Switzerland, Italy and Canada. He said three votes had taken place in Toronto, two in Vancouver and another in Calgary.
Also Read: Thousands of Sikhs Participate in Khalistan Referendum in Canada
In the United States, he said similar events had previously been held in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Washington, DC. Indianapolis was the latest US city to host the campaign, he said.
Singh claimed that about two million Sikhs worldwide had participated in the referendum campaign. That figure could not be independently verified.
Campaign accuses India of injustices
Singh accused the Indian government of historical injustices against Sikhs. He cited violence against the community, the 1984 damage to the Akal Takht and the exploitation of Punjab’s economic resources.
He argued for dismantling India’s existing federal structure, saying fundamental changes to the political map were necessary for lasting peace.
Singh said the campaign intended to pursue its objectives through peaceful and democratic means. He called for a formal and binding referendum in Punjab whose result would have practical political consequences.
SFJ said its next referendum event was scheduled for October 18 in Alberta, Canada.
