Muhammad Amanullah Calgary (The True Post)
Edmonton, Canada | October 18, 2026
Thousands of Sikhs participated in a Khalistan referendum-style voting event in Edmonton, Alberta, on Sunday, October 18, 2026, according to the organizers. The event was organized by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) at the Alberta Legislature Grounds, where participants expressed their support for Punjab’s independence from India and the establishment of a separate state called Khalistan.
According to an announcement by Sikhs for Justice, the voting center was scheduled to remain open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time. Organizers described the event as part of a broader campaign to highlight the demand for Khalistan among Sikh communities living outside India.
However, the reported turnout and overall voting results require independent verification.
Voting in Support of Punjab’s Independence
According to the organizers, the referendum aims to gather opinions on separating the Indian state of Punjab from India and establishing an independent Sikh state called Khalistan. Supporters say the initiative is intended to bring international attention to their political demands.
The Edmonton event was part of a series of similar voting activities organized in cities outside India. Supporters describe the campaign as a way to express their demand for self-determination.
Organizers also claimed that observers were present to monitor the voting process. However, the number of observers, their affiliations, and the procedures used to oversee the event require independent verification.
It is important to note that the Edmonton event was an unofficial, referendum-style voting initiative organized by a private group, rather than an official election conducted by Canadian or Indian electoral authorities.
Next Phase Announced for Australia in March 2027
Following the voting event, organizers announced that the next phase of the Khalistan referendum campaign would take place in Australia in March 2027.
The announcement was presented as part of efforts to continue the campaign among Sikh communities living abroad.
However, the specific city, venue, and exact date for the proposed Australian event have not yet been independently confirmed. The announcement should therefore be attributed to the organizers until further details become available.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun Addresses Participants in a Video Message
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent leader of Sikhs for Justice, addressed participants through a video message during the referendum event.
His remarks focused on continuing the political campaign for Khalistan and encouraging supporters to remain united.
In his address, Pannun said that India would eventually tire of using bullets, but Sikhs would not be afraid of martyrdom. Referring to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and other Sikh leaders, he said that these incidents would be answered through voting.
These statements reflect Pannun’s political position. Claims concerning the killings and their circumstances should be distinguished from independently established facts about the relevant incidents.
Anti-Modi Slogans and Reported Indian Flag Incident
Participants reportedly raised slogans in support of Khalistan and against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the event. Available reports also described an incident in which the Indian national flag was torn during the gathering.
These activities reflect the political differences between Khalistan supporters and the Indian government. Supporters advocate the creation of a separate state, while the Indian government opposes the demand.
The reported incident involving the Indian flag should be understood in the context of the political demonstrations surrounding the event.
The Khalistan Movement and Overseas Voting Campaign
Khalistan is the name proposed for an independent state supported by a movement seeking the separation of Indian Punjab from India. Sikhs for Justice has organized referendum-style voting activities at various locations outside India as part of its campaign.
The organization says these activities are intended to demonstrate support within the Sikh community and bring international attention to its political demands.
However, the results of such unofficial voting events do not, by themselves, establish the legal status of a proposed state or change international borders. They should not be treated as equivalent to official election results recognized by the relevant governments.
The Edmonton voting event and the announcement of a proposed Australian phase in March 2027 have brought renewed attention to the campaign. Further information about the next event’s date, location, participation, and results will be needed to provide a more complete picture.
Source: Announcements by Sikhs for Justice and reports from available news outlets. Details regarding participation, voting results, and the planned Australian event should be independently verified.
