OTTAWA, Canada: Thousands of Sikhs congregated at Surrey’s Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara to participate in a referendum regarding the creation of an independent Sikh state, known as Khalistan in India.
The vote held great significance for the Sikh community, who sought to express their desire for a nation-state that would safeguard their interests and identity.
Jatinder Singh Grewal, the director of international policy at Sikhs for Justice, emphasized the positive view of Khalistan among Sikhs. They yearned for a country where their rights and culture would be protected, and this referendum was a pivotal step in that direction.
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Remarkably, the voting took place at the very gurdwara where, earlier in the year, individuals alleged to be Indian agents had fatally shot Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Canadian government had voiced “credible allegations” connecting these agents to Nijjar’s murder. Despite these ominous events, Khalistan supporters displayed unwavering courage and determination. They refused to be intimidated and asserted their right to vote in the Khalistan referendum, ensuring that their voices were heard.
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This referendum had the potential to further strain relations between Canada and India. The allegations raised by the Canadian government, suggesting a connection between Indian agents and Nijjar’s murder, had already impacted diplomatic ties. However, the Sikh community and Khalistan supporters were undeterred, as they believed it was essential to address this critical question.
“People are very happy to be able to express their opinion on such an important question: Should Indian-occupied Punjab be an independent country? Yes or no?” Jay Singh, an advocate for Khalistan, affirmed the significance of this momentous vote. It reflected the deep-seated desire of the Sikh community to secure their cultural and political future.
In the tranquil halls of Surrey’s Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, thousands of Sikhs gathered, determined to have their say on the issue of Khalistan. This referendum was a poignant expression of their aspirations for self-determination, identity, and a nation where their rights and culture would be preserved. Amidst challenges and allegations, the Sikh community’s resolve remained unshaken as they made their voices heard in a pivotal vote that held great significance for their future and the ongoing Canada-India relations.
