Indianapolis (Web Desk): Voting is underway in the Khalistan referendum in Indiana, with a significant number of Sikh community members arriving to cast their votes and participate in the event.
The referendum is being organised by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a group that advocates for the creation of an independent Sikh state of Khalistan in India’s Punjab region.
The voting is being held as part of the organisation’s broader campaign to seek what it describes as public support for Sikh self-determination.
Khalistan flags were seen in downtown Indianapolis during the voting, as supporters gathered at the venue. Sikh demonstrators also staged protests against the Indian government and expressed their opposition to New Delhi’s policies toward the Sikh community.
During the demonstrations, some protesters tore an Indian flag as a symbolic expression of their anger.
Organisers said the referendum is aimed at providing members of the Sikh community with an opportunity to express their views on the question of self-determination.
They have described the exercise as a means of recording public sentiment among Sikhs regarding the proposed creation of an independent Khalistan.
The event has attracted attention because similar unofficial referendums have previously been held in several countries as part of the campaign led by SFJ.
Supporters consider the voting an expression of their political aspirations, while the Indian government has rejected the Khalistan movement and opposed such referendum campaigns.
It is important to note that the voting taking place in Indianapolis is unofficial and non-binding. It does not constitute an election or referendum conducted by the US government, the state of Indiana, India, or any recognised international body. Consequently, its outcome does not have legal or constitutional authority and is not formally recognised by state or international institutions.