A referendum on the demand for a separate Khalistan state was held in Indianapolis, Indiana, with a large number of Sikh community members taking part.
Sikhs for Justice organized the voting event. Participants came from different cities and states across the United States.
Organizers said voting continued despite heavy rain. Women and children also joined the turnout at the polling site.
Voting Continues Despite Rain
According to organizers, voting was scheduled to continue until 6 p.m.
They said officials would announce the final number of votes after polling ended.
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Supporters raised slogans in favor of Khalistan during the event. Some participants also raised slogans supporting freedom for Kashmir.
Ghazala Habib, chairperson of Friends of Kashmir, addressed the gathering. She said she was the only non-Sikh speaker to address the event from the stage.
Khalistan Referendum Campaign
Vikramjit Singh, who is associated with the Khalistan referendum campaign, said the campaign began in 2020.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted its activities.
According to Singh, the first referendum took place in London on October 31, 2021. Thousands of Sikhs participated in that vote, he said.
The campaign has since held voting events in several countries.
These include the United Kingdom, Australia, Switzerland, Italy and Canada. In Canada, organizers held three referendums in Toronto and two in Vancouver. They also organized a referendum in Calgary.
In the United States, voting took place in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Washington, DC, before the latest event in Indianapolis.
Organizers Make Voting Claim
Singh claimed that around two million Sikhs worldwide have voted in the campaign so far.
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However, independent sources had not immediately verified the figure.
The campaign has presented the referendums as part of its effort to seek support for an independent Khalistan.
Sikh Leader Accuses Indian Government
Singh also accused the Indian government of historical injustices against Sikhs.
He referred to the damage caused to the Akal Takht in 1984. He also alleged violence against Sikhs and the exploitation of Punjab’s economic resources.
Singh called for major political changes in the region.
He said the Sikh community wanted to pursue its demands through peaceful and democratic means.
Call for a Formal Referendum
According to Singh, Sikh groups want a formal and legally effective referendum in Punjab.
He said such a process should produce results that all sides could accept and implement.
The organizers said they would announce details about the results and the next stage of the campaign after voting in Indianapolis concludes.
Next Referendum Expected in Canada
The campaign is expected to hold its next referendum in Canada on October 18.
However, the information provided for the event does not specify the Canadian city.
The Indianapolis vote is part of a wider campaign that organizers have conducted among Sikh communities in several countries.
