Khalistanis insult Indian flag, raise “kill them” slogans; another provocative act in Canada
Ottawa (The Uttam Hindu): A disturbing incident of insulting the Indian national flag took place in Ottawa on Sunday during an informal “Khalistan Referendum” organized by the banned Khalistani group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). Thousands of Canadian Sikhs participated in the event, where violent and inflammatory slogans including calls to “kill them” were reportedly heard. SFJ is banned in India under UAPA due to its extremist activities. The incident comes at a time when relations between India and Canada had recently shown slight signs of improvement.
The so-called referendum was held on November 23 at Ottawa’s McNabb Community Centre (180 Percy Street) from 10 AM to 3 PM. According to organizers, more than 53,000 supporters arrived from various provinces including Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec. Long queues of participants from newborns to elderly citizens were seen throughout the day. Even after voting hours ended, the lines remained long, forcing organizers to extend the voting period.
Digital media outlet Media Bezirgan from Alberta reported heavy crowds around the venue. Video clips circulating online show some participants shouting aggressive slogans targeting Indian political leaders and officials. Police liaison officers were present at the site but did not intervene, playing only a supportive role in managing the crowd.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, SFJ’s General Counsel who is designated as a terrorist by India, addressed the gathering through a satellite message. After the voting ended, another incident of disrespecting the Indian flag was reported, with images and videos of the act spreading on social media.
SFJ also questioned why Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi the same day during the G20 Summit in South Africa. The group claimed the meeting seemed suspicious in light of the growing turnout for the referendum.
This is not the first time the Indian tricolor has been targeted in Canada. In March 2024, protesters in Calgary damaged the flag using swords and spears. In April 2025, the Indian flag was dragged on the road during the Vaisakhi parade in Surrey. Earlier in November 2025, more than 500 vehicles participated in a rally in Montreal where “Khalistan Zindabad” slogans were raised. On November 15, a car rally was held outside the residence of Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Patnaik in Ottawa, which also included Santokh Singh Khaira, convicted in the Air India bombing case.