Washington: In a historic event organized by the US-based group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), over 60,000 American Sikhs participated in the second phase of the Khalistan Referendum at the California State Capitol in Sacramento in the United States.
According to Kashmir Media Service, this monumental occasion follows the participation of more than 127,000 American Sikhs in the first phase held on January 28, marking the first-ever Khalistan Referendum conducted on American soil. The event unfolded under tight security measures, with US snipers and police ensuring the safety of attendees.
Thousands of Sikhs, unable to cast their votes in the initial phase, seized the opportunity to participate in the voting process on March 31. Under the supervision of the independent Punjab Referendum Commission (PRC), the voting witnessed a significant turnout, with nearly 20,000 Sikh men and women queuing up at the break of dawn to exercise their democratic rights. Throughout the day, the atmosphere was charged with devotion as Sikhs fervently called for the establishment of Khalistan, denouncing the oppressive tactics of Narendra Modi’s Hindutva regime in India.
The significance of the event was further heightened by the honoring of Jathedar Gurdev Singh Kaunke, a revered Sikh religious figure who was killed by the Indian government. A solemn ceremony, including the recitation of the holy scripture Sri Guru Granth Sahib, paid homage to Jathedar Kaunke’s unwavering dedication to the Sikh cause. The voting center itself was named after and dedicated to the memory of Jathedar Kaunke, symbolizing the enduring legacy of his sacrifice.
Gurdev Singh Kaunke, appointed head of Sri Akal Takht Sahib in 1986 by the Sarbat Khalsa, was targeted and unlawfully killed by Indian authorities on January 1, 1993. His relentless pursuit of Sikh rights and self-determination earned him the status of a martyr within the Sikh community. Recognizing his pivotal role in the Sikh movement, the Punjab Human Rights Commission affirmed the extrajudicial nature of Jathedar Kaunke’s demise in December 2023.
Speaking at the event, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, General Counsel to SFJ, paid tribute to Shaheed Kaunke’s indomitable spirit, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to the Khalistan cause. Pannun underscored the continued struggle of Sikhs worldwide for their rights, citing examples such as UK-based Sikh leader Paramjeet Singh Pamma, who has faced persecution and imprisonment at the hands of Indian authorities.
As the Khalistan Referendum gains momentum, with a new voting date scheduled for July 28, 2024, in Calgary, Canada, Sikhs remain resolute in their pursuit of justice and self-determination. The event in California serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by individuals like Jathedar Gurdev Singh Kaunke, whose legacy continues to inspire generations of Sikhs in their quest for freedom and autonomy.
