Auckland: Over 37,000 Sikhs exercised their right to vote in the Khalistan Referendum held here for the creation of an independent Sikh state of Khalistan within India.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the independent Punjab Referendum Commission is conducting the referendum. Dr. Bakhshish Singh Sandhu, President of the Council of Khalistan and a founding member of Sikhs For Justice, announced that the total votes cast exceeded 37,000. The referendum took place in Auckland’s Aotea Square on Sunday, drawing thousands of Sikhs to the venue and prompting organizers to extend the voting time by one hour.
“The Indian government had lobbied against the voting and had asked New Zealand to ban Sikhs from taking part in the voting,” Dr. Bakhshish Singh Sandhu stated, noting that local authorities approved the referendum and emphasized New Zealand’s commitment to freedom of expression. Throughout the day, participants chanted slogans advocating for the creation of Khalistan and accused the Indian government of involvement in Sikh genocide and transnational oppression against Sikhs.
The event, announced by Sikhs For Justice in New Zealand, was brought to the attention of India’s Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, who discussed it with New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters during a meeting on the sidelines of the Raisina Down Under conference in Canberra on November 6.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, Counsel General of Sikhs For Justice, addressed the audience at the conclusion of the referendum, asserting that Sikhs had used the peaceful voting process to express their desire for independence. He criticized the Indian state, claiming it resorted to oppressive measures against Sikhs seeking their homeland. Pannun announced a bounty for intelligence on Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s foreign trips, accusing him of authorizing actions against Sikhs.
Pannun emphasized the democratic nature of the referendum and outlined plans for the next phase to be held in Los Angeles. He concluded with slogans advocating for Khalistan, highlighting the movement’s ongoing efforts to achieve independence through non-violent means.