OTTAWA, In a significant political act, thousands of Sikhs assembled at Surrey’s Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara to cast votes regarding the formation of an independent Sikh state called Khalistan.

According to the Kashmir Media Service, Jatinder Singh Grewal, the director of international policy at Sikhs for Justice, conveyed a strong sentiment amongst Sikhs for Khalistan, expressing their desire for a separate nation-state to ensure their protection. The vote was notably organized at the same Gurdwara where, earlier in June, Hardeep Singh Nijjar was tragically shot and killed by gunmen. The Canadian government has posited that these gunmen may have been agents working on behalf of the Indian government. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau echoed these sentiments by suggesting “credible allegations” tie the Indian government to Nijjar’s assassination. In defiance and strength, Jay Singh, a Khalistan advocate, said, “They’re coming out and saying that we will not be scared. We will stand up and vote in the Khalistan referendum and express our voice.” The recent vote could intensify already strained ties, stemming from Canada’s allegations and India’s counterclaims. “People are very pleased to voice their opinion on this pivotal matter. The primary question being, should the Indian-occupied Punjab be its independent nation? Yes or no?” Singh added.