Tomorrow, July 28, 2024, marks a historic moment for Sikhs in Canada as they gather in Calgary to participate in the Khalistan Referendum, a significant step towards the creation of an independent Sikh state. This event stands as a bold defiance against the oppressive policies of the Indian government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has consistently tried to suppress Sikh voices and rights.
Despite desperate attempts by the Indian government to derail this democratic exercise, the City of Calgary, under the leadership of Mayor Jyoti Gondek, has affirmed the right of the Sikh community to assemble and express their political will. This move has exposed the Indian regime’s hypocrisy, which claims to uphold democratic values while attempting to stifle the freedom of expression of its own citizens and the diaspora abroad.
Organized by Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), the referendum will be held at Municipal Plaza, a venue that symbolizes the community’s resilience and determination. Thousands of pro-Khalistan Sikhs are expected to participate, making a powerful statement against the Indian government’s ongoing campaign of hate and violence. This referendum is part of a global movement that has already seen substantial participation in countries such as the UK, Switzerland, Italy, Australia, the US, and other Canadian cities like Surrey, Brampton, and Mississauga .
Pro-Khalistan leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has rightfully accused Modi’s regime of orchestrating a hate campaign against Sikhs, employing intimidation tactics and violence to suppress their legitimate demands. The assassination of Sikh leaders, such as Hardeep Singh Nijjar, on foreign soil by Indian agents further underscores the regime’s transnational repression and utter disregard for human rights .
This referendum is not just about political expression; it is a declaration of resistance against the tyranny of Modi’s Hindutva ideology, which seeks to marginalize and oppress minority communities. By participating in the referendum, Sikhs in Canada and around the world are standing up against this injustice and asserting their right to self-determination.
We urge all Sikhs in Canada to rise against Modi’s oppressive regime and take part in tomorrow’s referendum. Your vote is a testament to the Sikh community’s unwavering spirit and its fight for justice and freedom.
