Over 127,000 American Sikhs participated in the Khalistan Referendum in San Francisco. A first on American soil, following a recent US intervention to thwart an alleged assassination attempt by India on pro-Khalistan leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
The turnout was significant, with many unable to vote due to time constraints. The next phase is set for March 31 in Sacramento, CA. The US, upholding the First Amendment, allowed the referendum despite India’s objections.
Tensions between India and the US escalated following accusations of India’s assassination plans against Pannun, who attended the vote under heavy security. The vote occurred amidst India’s demands for the US to arrest Sikhs accused of attacking its San Francisco Consulate.
Post-vote, Pannun declared an intensified campaign against India, asserting Sikh resilience against threats and advocating for economic measures against India. He emphasized the Sikh struggle for freedom and resistance to Indian state terrorism.
Dr. Bakhshish Singh Sandhu of Sikhs for Justice praised the turnout, aiming for a UN-organized binding referendum by 2025. Thousands of Sikhs, showing solidarity, gathered in San Francisco for the vote.
California hosts approximately 250,000 Sikhs, with the San Francisco ballot following votes in the UK, Geneva, Rome, Canada, and Australia. The referendum, overseen by independent experts, questioned Punjab’s independence from India. Eligibility criteria were specified for residents of Indian Governed Punjab.
