Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) recently made a significant announcement in Washington, pledging $1 billion to support the inaugural official meeting of the Board of Peace. The organization is intensifying its global campaign for an internationally supervised Khalistan referendum, with the goal of achieving independence for Sikh-dominated Indian Punjab.
In Washington, D.C., hundreds of Sikh community members from across the United States gathered to voice their demands for peace, unity, and political self-determination. Speakers at the event highlighted the Khalistan issue as an unresolved political dispute, drawing parallels with other global conflicts and advocating for a diplomatic and democratic way forward.
During the gathering, SFJ leaders urged U.S. President Donald Trump to directly engage with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and advocate for a U.S. State Department-monitored referendum in Indian-administered Punjab. The organizers emphasized that this demand aims to prevent further violence and ensure a peaceful resolution through democratic processes. SFJ General Counsel Gurpatwant Singh Pannun alleged that Sikh youth supporting the Khalistan referendum are facing targeted actions such as staged encounters and mass arrests by the Indian government.
Pannun stated that more than 11,000 Sikh youths have been detained due to their political beliefs and falsely labeled as 'gangsters'. He emphasized the importance of pursuing a peaceful and democratic solution through a monitored referendum to avoid bloodshed, stressing that violence can be averted through international oversight and dialogue.
Participants in the protest expressed their goal of securing representation within the Board of Peace to advance Punjab's independence from India using non-violent and democratic methods. Demonstrators emphasized their desire for freedom from India through peaceful and constitutional approaches. Political analysts viewed this announcement as a strategic move to raise the Khalistan issue's profile in U.S. political discussions and attract international attention.
While acknowledging potential implications for India-U.S. relations, experts highlighted the objective of seeking a non-violent and diplomatic resolution to a longstanding conflict. Observers characterized this development as a significant moment for the Sikh community, recognizing it as both a symbolic milestone and a strategic effort to place the Khalistan demand on the global political agenda.
