Many Sikhs have long advocated for a separate homeland -Khalistan. Some point to historical grievances, whether by the British colonial government and its successor Indian government headed by Nehru. Great impetus was given to these aspirations of independence and autonomy by the ill-conceived attack on the Golden Temple, and the reprisals against innocent Sikhs following the assassination of Nehru's daughter, the first woman PM of India, Indira Gandhi. The bloody aftermath resulted in displacement and dislocation; many came to Canada and made refugee claims. With time and pacification of Punjab, that particular claim profile receded. Over time, there have been different players that have advocated for Khalistan. One of the more recent is Sikhs for Justice. This organization has spearheaded a referendum for November 2020 in which members of the Sikh community (and others that have a connection with historical Punjab) are to mark their support for an independent state. Should it succeed, the organizers will forward to the United Nations. SFJ has been banned by the Indian Home Ministry. The establishment of a separate Sikh homeland is once again in the consciousness of many. There have been ebbs and flows to such claims. More recently, there are troubling signs... Read more →