Asif Mahmood

For decades, the Indian state has sought to erase the Sikh identity through violence, intimidation, and systemic oppression. The wounds of Operation Blue Star and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots remain open, a permanent scar on India’s claim to justice. The Sikh diaspora refuses to remain silent. On August 17, 2025, Sikhs in the United States will hold a referendum in Washington D.C., a peaceful assertion of their right to self-determination under international law. Millions of Sikhs worldwide see this vote as an opportunity to demand accountability and challenge decades of brutal treatment by the Indian state, exposing its ongoing record of repression and discrimination.
The referendum brings the Khalistan movement to the international stage. It shows that Sikhs can organize legally and peacefully in countries that respect democratic freedoms. It gives the global Sikh diaspora a platform to advocate for their rights and ensures that the world cannot ignore their demands. Since 2021, the Khalistan referendum has been held successfully in eight countries, including Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Each successful referendum sends a message that the movement is alive and organized.
India has consistently tried to suppress the Khalistan movement abroad. It has labeled pro-Khalistan groups as extremist or terrorist organizations and pressured Western governments to act against them. In reality, these groups engage only in peaceful advocacy. In 2023, the United States charged an Indian government employee for a foiled assassination plot targeting Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a leading Khalistan activist. This incident exposed India’s attempts to intimidate the diaspora and interfere with lawful political activities. Western courts have repeatedly rejected India’s extradition requests, showing that Indian claims are politically motivated and lack legal merit.
The Khalistan movement represents the peaceful political struggle of approximately 30 million Sikhs worldwide. It is rooted in historical injustices, including state-led attacks on Sikh temples, arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, and........

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