India Condemns 'Khalistan Referendum' Planned in Edmonton on Oct 18ਭਾਰਤ ਵੱਲੋਂ 18 ਅਕਤੂਬਰ ਨੂੰ ਐਡਮਿੰਟਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਅਖੌਤੀ ਖ਼ਾਲਿਸਤਾਨ ਰਾਇਸ਼ੁਮਾਰੀ ਦੀ ਨਿੰਦਾ

India's Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday that it "strongly condemns all anti-India activities" when asked about a so-called Khalistan referendum that the banned group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) plans to hold in Edmonton, Alberta, on October 18. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made the remark at the ministry's bi-weekly briefing in New Delhi.

What did the MEA say?

Jaiswal did not elaborate. Asked about the event planned in Canada, he repeated New Delhi's standing position that it condemns anti-India activities, IANS and the Statesman reported. The ministry did not announce any step against the organisers.

What is planned in Edmonton?

Reports say SFJ, which India has banned, will hold its unofficial vote on Punjab's future in the Alberta capital on October 18. Hindustan Times reported that signage promoting it has appeared in the city, some of it using imagery from Alberta's own referendum campaign.

How is it linked to Alberta's vote?

Albertans vote on October 19 in a provincial referendum on whether the government should begin the legal process towards a binding vote on separation. SFJ general counsel Gurpatwant Singh Pannun said that on October 18 Sikhs vote on Punjab and on October 19 Albertans vote on their future, adding that the two cases differ but the democratic principle is the same. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Danielle Smith both oppose separation, and a Leger poll on Thursday found 70 per cent of Albertans want to stay in Canada.

What does it mean for Punjabis in Canada?

Edmonton and Alberta have a large Punjabi Sikh population, and earlier SFJ-run votes in Canadian cities have drawn sharp reactions in India. The event comes while Ottawa and New Delhi are trying to repair ties that were strained after the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. Hindustan Times also reported that SFJ says one of its organisers, Avtar Singh Pannu, received a "duty to warn" notice from the RCMP about a threat to his life. That claim rests on the group's statement and Jugti has not seen it confirmed by police.

Is the Khalistan referendum legal in Canada?

Canadian authorities have allowed such unofficial votes as expressions of opinion, but they have no legal effect in Canada or India. The Alberta referendum on October 19 is a separate, provincial exercise.

What is the MEA's position on the event?

The ministry says it condemns all anti-India activities and has not named any specific action beyond that statement.

When do the two votes take place?

SFJ's event is on October 18 in Edmonton and the Alberta referendum is on October 19.