Indian flag desecrated as thousands attend unofficial Khalistan vote in Ottawa: Reports

Ottawa: Thousands of Canadian Sikhs queued for hours in Ottawa on Sunday for an unofficial “Khalistan Referendum” organised by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a group banned in India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The event, held at the McNabb Community Centre, was marked by the desecration of the Indian national flag and the chanting of violent anti-India slogans, as per media reports.

Footage shared online showed supporters shouting “kill” slogans directed at Indian leaders and officials while police liaison officers looked on. Long lines of participants carrying yellow Khalistan flags stretched outside the venue, where voting was scheduled from 10 am to 3 pm. Videos of the Indian flag being insulted circulated widely, heightening tensions around the gathering.

SFJ claimed that more than 53,000 Sikhs from Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec took part, with queues reportedly extending nearly two kilometres. According to the group, families including newborns and elderly people using walkers remained in line throughout the day, and voting continued past the official closing time to accommodate those still waiting.

Footage published by Alberta-based outlet Media Bezirgan showed large crowds outside the centre, with a visible police presence but no intervention even as aggressive slogans were raised. SFJ’s general counsel, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, designated a terrorist by India, addressed attendees via a satellite message. The organisation also questioned why Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in South Africa the same day, calling the timing “suspicious” given what it described as rising pro-Khalistan mobilisation in Canada.

The development comes as New Delhi and Ottawa have recently moved to ease diplomatic tensions, resuming cooperation on security and counter-terrorism intelligence after months of strained relations.