Over 23,000 votes cast in Khalistan referendum in Edmonton, say organisers

EDMONTON: Thousands of Sikhs took part in the Khalistan referendum in the Canadian city of Edmonton on 18 October. Thousands of Sikhs came from Canada, the United States and Europe for the historic gathering.

According to Kashmir Media Service, on 15 October the FBI warned Sikh leader and Sikhs for Justice General Counsel Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of an immediate threat to his life. Pannun was earlier the target of an Indian plot to kill him in the United States in 2023. US prosecutors linked the plot to Indian government officials.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police also warned other organisers of the referendum of possible threats. Security remained on high alert at the voting venue in view of the threats.

Polling hours were extended. Voting continued beyond the scheduled time so that everyone standing in the long queues could cast a vote. The participants voted in favour of deciding the future of Indian Punjab.

The organisers described the turnout of more than 23,000 votes as a significant show of public participation. Final figures for the voting are awaited.

Background to the referendums

These referendums, held every year in different parts of the world, highlight the global debate on the political future of Indian Punjab, the Sikh right to self-determination, political freedom and freedom of expression. The Indian government targets Sikh activists living abroad who organise these peaceful political activities.

Four decades after the 1984 anti-Sikh massacre in India, demands for justice and accountability continue. According to observers, the Modi government can silence the Sikh struggle inside India through repression, but not abroad.

Earlier, in October 2021, nearly 30,000 votes were cast in London. In December 2021, more than 6,000 people took part in Geneva. In 2022, between 57,000 and 62,000 votes were recorded in Rome and other places in Italy.

In September 2022, a turnout of 110,000 people was claimed in Brampton, Ontario. Later that year, more than 75,000 votes were cast in Mississauga during the second phase of the referendum. In September and October 2023, more than 200,000 votes were cast in total in two phases in Surrey, British Columbia.

In January 2023, nearly 55,000 votes were recorded in Melbourne. In January 2024, nearly 127,000 people took part in San Francisco. In July 2024, 55,000 votes were cast in Calgary. In November 2025, more than 53,000 votes were cast in Ottawa.

The next Khalistan referendum will be held in Australia on 21 March 2027.