MEA Condemns Anti-India Activities Amid Reports of Khalistan Referendum in Canada

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday reiterated India’s strong condemnation of anti-India activities amid reports that the banned organisation Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) plans to hold a so-called “Khalistan referendum” in Edmonton, Canada, on October 18.

“We strongly condemn all anti-India activities,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi, responding to a question about the proposed event.

The remarks came amid renewed attention to statements by SFJ founder Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who reportedly announced plans in August to establish a “Khalistan Army” and a “Sikh Homeland Security” force.

A report published by Khalsa Vox said Pannun had released a video urging Sikhs in the diaspora to participate in a so-called Khalistan referendum in Indianapolis, Indiana, while also raising the idea of forming the proposed force.

The report expressed concern over videos purportedly showing Sikh men training with semi-automatic rifles in Canada, warning that such developments could have serious consequences for the Sikh community.

It argued that inflammatory messaging could influence vulnerable young people already facing challenges related to migration, identity and financial pressures, potentially drawing some towards drugs, illegal firearms and gang activity in the United States and Canada.

The report further stated that Pannun’s messaging did not account for every instance of youth involvement in crime but could provide a narrative that frames confrontation with the Indian state as a justification for armed activity.

It also cited concerns over the potential movement from online rhetoric to the acquisition and use of weapons, particularly when calls for community security are linked to an adversarial political narrative.

According to the report, Canadian intelligence agencies have previously identified Khalistani extremism as a national security concern. It also raised questions about the relationship between inflammatory online content and subsequent displays of force.

The MEA spokesperson’s remarks, however, focused on India’s condemnation of anti-India activities and came amid reports of the proposed October 18 event in Edmonton.