INDIANAPOLIS: A large number of members of the Sikh community participated in a Khalistan referendum held in Indianapolis, Indiana, despite rainy weather, as organizers called for the creation of an independent Sikh state. The event was organized by Sikhs for Justice, with participants travelling from different cities and states across the United States. Organizers said voting continued despite the rain, with women and children also among those attending. Polling was scheduled to remain open until 6pm, after which organizers were expected to announce the final turnout. Pro-Khalistan slogans were raised during the event, while some participants also expressed support for Kashmir’s independence. Ghazala Habib, chairperson of Friends of Kashmir, addressed the gathering and said she was the only non-Sikh speaker to speak from the stage. Vikramjit Singh, a representative associated with the Khalistan Referendum Campaign, said the initiative was launched in 2020 but faced disruptions because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said the first voting event under the campaign was held in London on October 31, 2021, attracting thousands of Sikh participants. According to Singh, subsequent voting events were organized in countries including the United Kingdom, Australia, Switzerland, Italy and Canada. He said Canada hosted three events in Toronto, two in Vancouver and another in Calgary, while the United States has held voting in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington, DC and now Indianapolis. Singh claimed that nearly two million Sikhs worldwide had participated in the campaign so far. However, the figure could not be independently verified. He accused the Indian government of committing historical injustices against Sikhs, citing the 1984 attack that damaged the Akal Takht and subsequent violence against the Sikh community, as well as what he described as the exploitation of Punjab’s economic resources. Singh said supporters of the movement wanted to pursue their demand through peaceful and democratic means. He called for a formal referendum in Punjab whose outcome, according to him, would have legal and political effect for all parties. Organizers said details of the Indianapolis vote and the next stage of the campaign would be announced after polling concludes. The campaign is expected to hold another referendum in Canada on October 18, although the specific city has not yet been confirmed.
