Ottawa/IBNS, Nov. 26 -- The Indian flag was desecrated, and "Kill India" chants erupted at an unofficial referendum organised by the banned Khalistani group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) in Ottawa on Sunday.

The event coincided with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the G20 summit in Johannesburg.

Thousands of Canadian Sikhs, carrying yellow Khalistan flags, participated in the non-binding referendum that sought support for a separate Khalistan state and the secession of Punjab from India.

Police liaison officers were present but did not intervene despite the violent atmosphere.

SFJ's general counsel, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, designated a terrorist by India, addressed voters through a ...