During a recent media briefing at the State Department, a spokesperson confirmed that the global Khalistan Referendum campaign, organized by the pro-Khalistan advocacy group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), is covered under the First Amendment of the US Constitution. This statement comes amid India’s concerns and criticism of the campaign.
When asked about the US stance on the Khalistan Referendum campaign managed by SFJ, which has a significant Sikh community in the United States, the spokesperson stated that, generally, campaigns like the Khalistan Referendum are protected under US laws. He emphasized the importance of individuals’ rights to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly, aligning with the First Amendment protections, while also adhering to relevant federal and local regulations.
This affirmation of the campaign’s protection under the First Amendment follows the recent assassination of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar by Indian government agents in Canada, where the Khalistan Referendum campaign has gained traction. Nijjar, who played a prominent role in the campaign in Canada, was designated a terrorist by the Indian government in 2020.
The US government has urged India to cooperate with an investigation into Nijjar’s assassination on Canadian soil, which has raised concerns about the campaign’s impact on international relations and human rights.
The Khalistan Referendum, organized by SFJ, seeks to gauge support for the creation of an independent Sikh state called Khalistan. It has garnered participation from tens of thousands of Sikhs in various countries worldwide. The SFJ plans to approach international bodies, including the UN and human rights organizations, with its demand to re-establish Punjab as a separate nation state at the conclusion of the Khalistan Referendum voting process.
