Indian Flag Desecrated During Pro-Khalistan ‘Referendum’ Event in Canada; Violent Slogans Raise Concerns

A group of Khalistan supporters in Canada once again stirred controversy on Sunday when the Indian national flag was desecrated during an unofficial “Khalistan Referendum” organized by the banned outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) in Ottawa. Videos from the event also showed participants shouting aggressive and provocative slogans, including threats directed at Indian leaders and officials.

India has repeatedly asserted that such referendums are a direct challenge to its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and has urged Canada to act firmly against extremist elements operating from its soil.

Large Turnout Claimed by Organizers

SFJ claimed that over 53, 000 people from Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec gathered at Ottawa’s McNabb Community Centre on 23 November between 10 AM and 3 PM. According to them, long queues continued even after scheduled voting hours, prompting organizers to extend the process.

Participants included families, elderly individuals, and youth. F ootage shared online showed heavy crowds gathered around the polling station.

Violent Slogans Captured on Video

Media Bezergan, an Alberta-based digital media platform, posted videos showing groups of pro-Khalistan activists shouting slogans that included calls for violence against Indian politicians and government officials.

Police liaison officers were present at the venue, but reportedly adopted a non-intervention policy while managing crowd flow.

Gurpatwant Pannun Addresses Gathering

SFJ’s chief and India-designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun addressed participants via satellite link. Toward the end of the event, a group of attendees was seen tearing and trampling the Indian tricolour—an act widely condemned by Indian community groups. The video of this incident circulated rapidly on social media.

SFJ Questions Canada PM’s Meeting With PM Modi

SFJ also raised questions over Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in South Africa.
The group claimed that the timing of the meeting, held on the same day as the Ottawa voting, was “suspicious, ” given the rising participation of Canadian Sikhs in the referendum campaign.

Implications for India–Canada Relations

This incident adds new strain to already tense India–Canada relations, which have been impacted by repeated pro-Khalistan demonstrations and activities on Canadian soil. India has consistently expressed strong objections, asking Canada to take decisive action against extremist groups that promote separatism.

Past Incidents of Flag Desecration in Canada

This is not the first time such acts have occurred:

• March 2024 (Calgary): Khalistani protesters slashed the Indian flag with swords and spears.

• April 2025 (Surrey, BC): The flag was dragged on the road during a Vaisakhi parade.

• November 2025 (Montreal): A caravan of over 500 cars shouted pro-Khalistan slogans.

• 15 November 2025 (Ottawa): A car rally was held outside the residence of Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Patnaik, attended by Santokh Singh Khala, an accused in the Air India bombing case.

These repeated incidents continue to raise alarms about growing radicalization among a section of the diaspora and its impact on bilateral diplomatic ties.