CALIFORNIA: More than 60,000 American-Sikhs participated in the second phase of the Khalistan Referendum voting on Sunday, in a momentous event orchestrated by the secessionist group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) at the California State Capitol in Sacramento.
This event, shielded by US snipers and police, followed the initial phase where over 127,000 American Sikhs cast their votes for the Khalistan Referendum for the first time on American soil on January 28th.
The first phase occurred just weeks after the US government announced the thwarting of an Indian state attempt to assassinate prominent pro-Khalistan leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun within US borders.
Despite the high turnout in the initial phase, several thousand Sikhs were unable to cast their votes, prompting the SFJ to organize the second phase on March 31st to accommodate them. Overseen by the independent Punjab Referendum Commission (PRC), the voting took place under tight security, with US law enforcement and snipers ensuring safety.
On voting day, nearly 20,000 Sikh individuals queued up at dawn to participate, with thousands remaining throughout the day, engaging in devotional Sikh chants and advocating for the establishment of Khalistan. This event occurred against the backdrop of recent events, including the assassination of Khalistan Referendum leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada and the foiled assassination plot against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
The voting center at the California State Capitol, where the referendum took place, was dedicated to Jathedar Gurdev Singh Kaunke, declared a martyr by the Sikh community. Kaunke, who was assassinated by the Indian Government, was honored with an Akhand Path Sahib, attended by thousands, in the days leading up to the referendum.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, General Counsel to SFJ, paid homage to Kaunke, emphasizing his dedication to the cause of Khalistan. Pannun reiterated the Sikh community’s commitment to self-determination, citing the ongoing suppression by the Indian state and advocating for the political demise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi through democratic means.
The Punjab Referendum Commission announced a new date for the Khalistan Referendum, scheduled for July 28th, 2024, in Calgary, Canada, underscoring the continued momentum of the movement.
