Mayor of Calgary Jyoti Gondek has said that the city council cannot stop Khalistan Referendum voting from going ahead on Sunday (tomorrow), after objections by the Indian government that the group organising it is banned in India, hence, it should not get permission to go ahead with the gathering that is set to attract thousands of pro-Khalistan Sikhs.
In an interview, Gondek said she does not see the Khalistan voting as an issue as those involved are carrying out a legitimate, democratic exercise and it’s not for her office to sanction lawful events.
“The public is able to gather at the Municipal Plaza at any time. They can do what they wish to,” she said.
Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a US-based group, has been granted permission by the Canadian city administration to hold a non-binding referendum vote at Municipal Plaza and the city mayor does not see this as an issue.
Director of Corporate Properties and Buildings Ian Fleming said: “Individuals and organisations can use the plaza without permission, application or permit if they adhere to the expectations and guidelines of appropriate activities and behaviours.”
