According to media reports, thousands of supporters queued for nearly two kilometres carrying yellow Khalistan flags. The event was organised by the banned terror outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), whose chief, designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, addressed the gathering via satellite. Organisers claimed that over 53,000 voters arrived from Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec.
Outside the McNabb Community Centre polling site, Khalistani supporters shouted provocative slogans against Indian leaders, attempting to incite anti-India sentiments. The Indian government condemned the event as illegal and an attack on India’s sovereignty, criticising Canada for allowing its soil to be used for anti-India activities.
The referendum comes despite a recent thaw in India–Canada relations, with both nations agreeing to resume trade talks during a bilateral meeting between PM Narendra Modi and Canadian PM Mark Carney at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. India aims to boost bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030, with cooperation expected in critical minerals, processing technologies and nuclear energy.
This is not the first incident of disrespect toward the Indian flag in Canada. Over the past two years, Khalistani groups have repeatedly vandalised the Tricolour and held rallies promoting separatism and glorifying individuals convicted in terror cases.
The Indian community worldwide has expressed concern over growing extremist activities, urging Canadian authorities to act decisively against such hate-driven events.
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