More than 60,000 American Sikhs participated in the second phase of the Khalistan Referendum voting, organized by the Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) at the California State Capitol in Sacramento. This event, safeguarded by US snipers and police, followed the initial phase where over 127,000 American Sikhs voted for Khalistan Referendum on January 28th, coinciding with the prevention of an assassination attempt by the Indian government against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent pro-Khalistan leader, on US soil.
The second phase of voting, held on March 31st, aimed to accommodate several thousand Sikhs who couldn’t vote in the first phase. Under the supervision of the independent Punjab Referendum Commission (PRC), the voting took place amidst stringent security measures.
Starting two days prior, the event commenced with Akhand Path Sahib to honor Jathedar Gurdev Singh Kaunke, declared “Quami Shaheed” (national martyr) by the Sikh community. Thousands attended the prayers, paying homage to Jathedar Kaunke, who was extrajudicially killed by the Indian government. The voting center was also dedicated to Shaheed Jathedar Kaunke.
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Before the Akhand Path Sahib, Sikhs worldwide urged Sri Akal Takht Sahib’s current head and the President of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to officially recognize Jathedar Kaunke as “Quami Shaheed”. Jathedar Kaunke, assassinated in 1993, was acknowledged as a martyr by the Punjab Human Rights Commission in December 2023.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, General Counsel to SFJ, paid tribute to Shaheed Kaunke for his relentless pursuit of Sikh self-determination. Pannun emphasized Kaunke’s dedication to the Khalistan cause and cited other Sikh leaders like Paramjeet Singh Pamma, highlighting their sacrifices.
Addressing the crowd, Pannun underscored the historical persecution of Sikhs, dating back to 1947, and condemned the ongoing suppression under the Indian state. He criticized both Congress and BJP regimes for atrocities against Sikhs and called for democratic measures to end Modi’s leadership.
The Punjab Referendum Commission announced a new voting date, set for July 28th, 2024, in Calgary, Canada.
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This article was received directly from the author.