Thousands of Sikhs from across Canada and several other countries thronged the Canadian capital, Ottawa, on Sunday to participate in the Khalistan Referendum, marking one of the largest democratic gatherings of the Sikh diaspora despite freezing temperatures, rain, and snowfall.
Long queues of voters were seen outside designated polling stations as Sikh men, women, and youth arrived in large numbers using private vehicles and public transport. Ottawa’s streets were adorned with Khalistani flags, while slogans in favour of a sovereign Khalistan echoed across the city throughout the day. The voting process continued from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Organizers said the referendum sought public opinion on the central question: “Should Indian Punjab become an independent country?” The massive turnout, they added, reflected the community’s unwavering commitment to their democratic rights. Canada hosts nearly 800,000 Sikhs, and the enthusiasm seen in Ottawa was described as “extraordinary and deeply symbolic.”
In the evening, Sikh families gathered in Ottawa for a memorial prayer to remember the victims of the November 1984 anti-Sikh genocide, in which 30,000 Sikhs were massacred by Indian forces and mobs backed by the state. Speakers recalled that hundreds of thousands of Sikhs were forcibly displaced due to India’s systematic repression, including the infamous Operation Blue Star—widely regarded as a dark stain on India’s democratic face.
The referendum’s momentum continues to grow globally. Since 2021, Khalistan Referendums have been peacefully conducted in eight countries. In August 2025, US authorities allowed Sikhs to hold the referendum in Washington D.C., citing protection of democratic rights. Despite Indian pressure and propaganda, Western governments, including Canada, the United States, and Australia, have exposed Indian intelligence networks targeting Sikh activists and have taken steps to ensure their safety.
Legal experts note that no UN member state has declared the Khalistan Referendums illegal. Courts in several Western countries have repeatedly dismissed India’s requests to extradite Sikh leaders, underscoring that the Sikh community’s movement remains a peaceful, democratic campaign grounded in international law.
The Sikh diaspora’s message from Ottawa was clear: they are seeking their rights through peaceful and lawful means, reaffirming that the struggle for Khalistan remains a global political movement driven by millions of Sikhs committed to justice, dignity, and self-determination.
