The "Referendum 2020" is a "bogus issue" which is being supported by a neighbour opposed to India, country's top envoy to the US said on Sunday.
Stressing that it was supported by a handful of people, who had "little support" from the community, Ambassador Harsh Vardhan Shringla said such groups were "getting desperate" and going into "acts of terrorism".
This is for the first time that a top Indian diplomat has come out openly against the "Referendum 2020", promoted by separatist Sikhs for the creation of Khalistan.
"The organisers (of referendum) are just a handful of people. The so-called Referendum 2020 is a bogus issue," he told reporters after a visit to a Sikh gurdwara in Baltimore.
"They are getting desperate, going into acts of terrorism and also militancy. I think they would be a thing of the past," Shringla added.
Responding to a question, Shringla also termed the perpetrators of referendum as agents of Pakistan.
"These are people supported, as we know, by our neighbouring state who was constantly opposed us. They are agents of that state. They have spread false rumours and propaganda," Shringla said.
Praising Sikhs for playing a role in strengthening the relationship between the US and India, the envoy said, "We will continue to work with the majority of the community and ignore those who are a small and dwindling community."