Despite India objections, US allows Khalistan Referendum on its soil

SaAN FRANCISCO/ LONDON: The United States government has permitted pro-Khalistan Sikh For Justice (SFJ) to conduct a Khalistan Freedom Referendum on its soil, despite Indian objections.

The US has allowed the Referendum citing freedom of expression under the First Amendment. Tens of thousands of American Sikhs are expected to attend the voting on Sunday.

A panel of non-aligned experts overseeing the referendum on the question "Should Indian Governed Punjab Be An Independent Country?" announced the "Voter Eligibility" for people living in Indian Governed Punjab during a joint press conference in San Francisco.

Sikhs For Justice leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun had announced the voting centre three weeks ago. Around four months ago, the US government revealed it had thwarted an attempt by Indian government agents to kill Pannun on US soil.

Voting eligibility differs for the Khalistan Referendum organised by Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) and the Punjab Referendum Commission. Outside Punjab, only Sikhs can vote, whereas in Indian Punjab, individuals of all faiths can participate in the referendum set to take place in San Francisco on Sunday.

The organisers of the referendum and Punjab Referendum Commission have set criteria encouraging all native Punjabis in Indian Punjab to enroll and participate in the Khalistan Referendum, highlighting inclusivity. are entitled to vote on the question "Should Indian Governed Punjab Be An Independent Country?".

Renowned expert Professor Matt Qvortrup emphasised democratic principles, urging India to allow voter registration and polling in Punjab. Council of Khalistan President Dr Bakhsish Singh Sandhu saw the referendum as an opportunity for Punjabi people to express their will on Punjab's sovereignty. The American Phase of the Khalistan Referendum will start on January 28 in San Francisco, with thousands to vote under SFJ supervision.

The American Phase of the Khalistan Referendum is set to take place at Civic Center Plaza, owned and operated by the City of San Francisco. Thousands of Sikhs from across the Bay Area are anticipated to participate in voting from 9am to 5pm under the supervision of PRC, responding to SFJ's call.

The Khalistan voting started on October 31, 2021, from London, UK, and has so far been held in several cities across UK, Geneva Switzerland, Rome and Milan (Italy), Australian cities of Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney; and Canadian cities of Brampton, Mississauga, Malton (Ontario), and Vancouver (British Columbia).