Pro-Khalistan Sikh activists held protests in Calgary, Canada, to demand a referendum and condemn Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi [1].
These demonstrations highlight the ongoing tension between the Indian government and Sikh separatists, particularly regarding the movement for a sovereign state. The protests coincided with a G7 summit, amplifying the activists' visibility on an international stage.
More than 100 Sikhs gathered in Calgary on June 16, 2025 [1]. The group used the occasion to protest the actions of Prime Minister Modi and call for a formal referendum on the creation of Khalistan [1].
The activists also organized a separate protest on June 18, 2025 [2]. This second gathering was held to mark the second anniversary of the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar [3].
While some reports suggested a protest occurred outside a hotel in Sweden, verified data indicates the events took place in Calgary [1], [2]. The activists focused their demands on the Indian leadership and the recognition of their political goals.
Local reports from the events described a concentrated effort by the Sikh community to bring attention to their cause during high-profile diplomatic meetings [1]. The organizers linked the demand for a referendum to the legacy of Nijjar, whose death remains a point of significant contention between Canada and India [3].
“More than 100 Sikhs gathered in Calgary on June 16, 2025”
The timing of these protests during a G7 summit suggests a strategic effort by pro-Khalistan activists to leverage global diplomatic forums to pressure the Indian government. By linking the demand for a referendum to the anniversary of Hardeep Singh Nijjar's death, the movement continues to tie political aspirations for sovereignty to specific grievances regarding human rights and state-sponsored violence.
