Sikhs for Justice, formerly led by Hardeep Singh Nijjar until his assassination in 2023, is set to conduct a referendum in Ottawa this Sunday advocating for an independent Sikh Punjab, known as “Khalistan” by Sikh nationalists. This event coincides with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s planned meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the G20 summit in South Africa.
The upcoming vote marks the seventh referendum organized by the group in Canada since the initial one in Brampton, Ont., in September 2022. Subsequent rounds took place in Surrey, B.C., with claimed turnouts of 200,000, and also in Mississauga, Ont., and Calgary in 2024. The exact turnout numbers have not been independently verified by CBC News.
While Ottawa has a smaller Sikh community compared to Toronto and Vancouver, organizers anticipate participants traveling from Montreal and other regions to participate in the referendum.
The Indian government has previously criticized the referendum movement as a challenge to its sovereignty. However, when approached by CBC News, the Indian High Commission refrained from commenting on Sunday’s referendum, stating it as a Canadian event.
Inderjeet Singh Gosal now leads the Canadian chapter of Sikhs for Justice following Nijjar’s assassination. Gosal, facing threats to his life, was arrested in September on firearms charges by the Ontario Provincial Police. Despite charges being dropped for two other activists arrested with him, Gosal’s charges remain. He is currently on bail and plans to attend the referendum.
Gosal, who succeeded Nijjar, has declined protection offered by the RCMP due to his commitment to his political activities. He mentioned that security measures have been taken for the referendum event, which includes voting at the McNabb Arena and Community Centre and a remembrance ceremony for the 1984 pogroms against Sikhs.
In light of the ongoing security concerns and diplomatic relations with India, Gosal criticized the Canadian government’s decision to resume normal ties prematurely. Noting the persisting violence and external interventions, he emphasized the need for caution in diplomatic engagements.
A statement issued by the RCMP in October 2024 highlighted clandestine activities of Indian diplomats in Canada, raising concerns about interference in democratic processes and targeting the South Asian community. Gosal reiterated that the situation has not improved and expressed disappointment in the lack of progress.
The referendum in Ottawa is expected to proceed with enhanced security measures in place to ensure the safety of participants amid ongoing tensions and security threats.