Sikhs for Justice, formerly led by Hardeep Singh Nijjar until his tragic death in 2023, is set to conduct a referendum in Ottawa on Sunday, advocating for an independent Sikh Punjab known as “Khalistan.” This event coincides with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s planned meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 summit in South Africa.
The upcoming vote marks the group’s seventh referendum in Canada since September 2022 when the first vote took place in Brampton, Ont., closely followed by a travel advisory from India highlighting an increase in “hate crimes, sectarian violence, and anti-India activities” in Canada. Subsequent rounds of voting were held in Surrey, B.C., with reported turnouts of 200,000, followed by additional rounds in Mississauga, Ont., and Calgary in 2024. The exact turnout figures remain unverified by CBC News.
Although Ottawa has a smaller Sikh community compared to Toronto and Vancouver, organizers anticipate attendees traveling from Montreal and other regions to participate in the referendum.
The Indian government has previously condemned the referendum movement as a challenge to its sovereignty. However, in response to inquiries from CBC News, the Indian High Commission maintained a neutral stance, stating that the referendum is a Canadian initiative within the country, warranting no official comment from the High Commission.
Inderjeet Singh Gosal now leads Sikhs for Justice in Canada following Nijjar’s death. Gosal, who has faced threats on his life, was arrested in September by the Ontario Provincial Police on firearms charges. While charges against two other activists were dropped, Gosal’s case remains pending. Despite credible threats, Gosal declined protection that would hinder his political involvement.
Gosal confirmed that security measures have been implemented for the referendum event, starting at the McNabb Arena and Community Centre and concluding with a remembrance of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots following Indira Gandhi’s assassination. The voting location was changed to the community centre due to inclement weather concerns.
Expressing concerns over ongoing violence and extortion, Gosal criticized the Canadian government’s rush to normalize diplomatic relations with India. Citing RCMP warnings of clandestine activities involving Indian officials in Canada, Gosal stressed that the situation has not improved and may have worsened.
Gosal revealed that the RCMP recently contacted him, indicating a lack of improvement in the situation.
