In Auckland, over 37,000 Sikhs participated in the Khalistan Referendum, advocating for an independent Sikh state within India. The event, organized by the independent Punjab Referendum Commission (PRC) and Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), was held at Aotea Square. Due to high turnout, voting hours were extended.
Dr. Bakhshish Singh Sandhu, President of the Council of Khalistan, highlighted the referendum’s significance, criticizing the Indian government for attempts to suppress the event. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, SFJ’s legal counsel, called the peaceful voting a significant move against India’s “Hindutva policies” and announced the referendum’s next phase in Los Angeles.
The event saw slogans supporting Khalistan and condemning alleged transgressions by the Indian government, including the assassination of Sikh leaders. The referendum underscores ongoing tensions between the Sikh diaspora and India regarding Khalistan.
