'Kill' chants, Indian flag desecrated at 'Khalistan referendum' in Ottawa
What's the story
An unofficial "Khalistan Referendum" was held in Ottawa, Canada, on Sunday by the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a group banned in India under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The event saw thousands of Canadian Sikhs lining up outside the McNabb Community Centre to vote on whether they support a separate homeland called "Khalistan." Videos from the event showed supporters chanting "kill" slogans targeting Indian leaders and officials.
Participation details
Over 53,000 Sikhs participate in controversial referendum
The SFJ claimed that over 53,000 Sikhs from various Canadian provinces participated in the referendum. The group claimed that families, including newborns and seniors, stood in line all day to vote. Even after the official closing time of 3:00pm local time, voting continued for those still waiting, the SFJ claimed. The referendum reportedly ended with the desecration of the Indian flag.
Meeting controversy
SFJ questions timing of PMs's meeting amid referendum
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the SFJ's general counsel who is designated a terrorist by India, addressed the participants through a satellite message. He raised questions over the meeting between Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in South Africa on the same day. They called the timing "suspicious," considering their claims of increasing pro-Khalistan mobilization in Canada.
Twitter Post
Video from the event
WOW 👀 A Khalistan “referendum” in Ottawa today 🇨🇦 on the same day Carney meets with PM Modi at the G20
— Melissa 🇨🇦 (@MelissaLMRogers) November 23, 2025
In Ottawa you can hear “KILL INDIA” slogans erupting 🎥 @BezirganMocha pic.twitter.com/9ACw6cmiZs
Remote address
Canada and India agree to restart stalled talks
The event comes at a time when New Delhi and Ottawa have been trying to ease bilateral tensions and resume cooperation on security and counter-terror intelligence. Canada and India agreed to restart stalled talks for a new trade deal on Sunday, after discussions between the two countries paused following a diplomatic spat over the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.