OTTAWA: Canada has officially authorized the Khalistan Referendum scheduled for November 23, a move that has sparked strong support from the global Sikh advocacy group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ).
The vote will be held at Billings Estate National Historic Site in Ottawa, where preparations are already in full swing. Organizers say thousands of Sikhs from the U.S., Europe, and other regions are traveling to Canada to take part, marking one of the most significant political gatherings for the Sikh community in recent years.
SFJ’s General Counsel Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in a video message, praised Canada’s approval, calling it a recognition of the Sikh community’s peaceful democratic right to express its political will. He said the upcoming referendum represents a key milestone in the Sikh nation’s campaign for self-determination.
Pannun stressed that the referendum is a lawful and non violent democratic exercise, adding that Canada’s decision to allocate a national heritage site reflects its confidence in the Sikh community’s responsible conduct.
He urged Sikhs to participate “peacefully and responsibly” on November 23, noting that the vote is part of the community’s long term political struggle. He also stated that on November 24, Sikh voters around the world will continue to reinforce their political aspirations through democratic means.
Canada’s approval is widely seen as a notable moment in Sikh political advocacy and a reminder of the country’s strong commitment to freedom of expression and democratic rights.
