Khalistan Referendum is being held in Toronto, Canada today (Sept 18) amid growing ethnic tension between Sikhs and Hindus.
Khalistan referendum is an initiative of Khalistan Movement of overseas Sikhs which is aimed at influencing India to provide a separate homeland to millions of Sikhs. The United Nations has also backed the Khalistan referendum to support millions of Sikhs to get a separate homeland in India.
In Canada, thousands of Sikhs are participating in rallies in support of the referendum while a few incidents of attacks were reported there, which further ignited tension in Canada.
The local police said it has arrested an Indo-Canadian man for tearing Sikh leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale’s banner in the city of Caledon, Ontario, ahead of the 18 September Khalistan Referendum.
Meanwhile, wall-chalking and display of banners at the entrance of BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Toronto with anti-Indian and pro-Khalistan slogans ahead of the 18 September Khalistan Referendum further fueled tension in the country.
Also, more than 50,000 Sikhs performed Ardas (Sikhs prayer) in Toronto to support Khalistan Referendum in a show of massive local support for the Khalistan movement.
The participants were carrying placards and banners in support of Khalistan and chanting slogans against Modi-led Indian government for promoting Hindutva and fascism in India with frequent attacks on minorities, including Sikhs and Muslims.
For decades, Sikhs are making struggle in India and abroad, demanding Indian government to announce Khalistan as a separate homeland for Sikhs living in India.
