Khalistan Referendum Voting Ends in Auckland with High Turnout

Voting for the Khalistan referendum in Auckland, New Zealand, has been completed, with over 37,000 people casting their votes. The referendum, which seeks to measure support for an independent Sikh state, saw a strong turnout, causing long queues and prompting organizers to extend voting by an extra hour.

Many participants traveled from other cities to take part, and some had to wait up to four hours to vote. People were seen chanting anti-India slogans and expressing their enthusiasm for the referendum.

Gurbaksh Singh Pannu, the leader of Sikhs for Justice, addressed the crowd via video, praising the peaceful nature of the vote despite the challenges Sikhs face in India. He also announced that the next phase of the referendum will take place in Los Angeles on March 23, 2025.

The event has raised concerns about its impact on relations between India and New Zealand. Indian officials have reportedly discussed the referendum with New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, and there are fears that it could strain diplomatic ties between the two countries.

As the Khalistan movement grows, attention is now turning to the next stages of the referendum.