Another Sikh Canadian activist has received a “duty to warn” notification, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the Carney administration’s efforts to address Indian government interference and transnational repression.
Inderjeet Singh Gosal disclosed that he was handed the warning on Friday, August 14, following a phone call from the RCMP in Caledon, Ontario. These warnings are issued by law enforcement authorities when credible information suggests a threat to an individual’s life, without detailing the specifics of the threat.
“They alerted me about a threat to my life and requested an in-person meeting to formally provide the written warning,” Gosal informed CBC News.
The letter, signed by two RCMP officers and Gosal himself as the intended recipient, was shown to CBC News. Despite being offered enrollment in a witness protection program, Gosal, who is not involved in any criminal cases as a witness, declined the offer, stating, “I prefer facing any danger from India rather than halting my advocacy for the Khalistan referendum.”
Khalistan refers to the envisioned independent Sikh territory in Punjab, India, sought by Sikh separatists. Tensions have escalated due to non-binding referendums organized by the Sikhs for Justice group within Sikh communities worldwide since 2021, provoking ire from the Indian government.
Following the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023, who was leading the Canadian referendum campaign, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun appointed Gosal to succeed Nijjar in leading the campaign in Canada. Gosal mentioned that this latest warning marked his sixth official police notification.
These warnings are part of a series issued by Canadian authorities since the Carney government initiated reconciliation efforts with the Narendra Modi administration. The strained Canada-India relations post-Nijjar’s assassination and allegations of New Delhi’s involvement in suppressing the Khalistani movement led to a reduction in diplomatic staff in both countries.
Despite the recent focus on deepening trade ties with India, the issuance of duty to warn letters persists. In the letter to Gosal, no direct mention of the Indian government was made, with the police simply indicating a threat against his life without elaborating further.
Canada has faced scrutiny from UN rapporteurs regarding its handling of threats to Sikh-origin Canadian citizens, especially in the case of Moninder Singh in British Columbia. The government has reassured the rapporteurs of its commitment to safeguarding its citizens, yet concerns remain among those feeling targeted by the Indian government, highlighting the ongoing threat through these warning letters.
Expressing gratitude to the RCMP for fulfilling their obligation to notify him of the threats, Gosal criticized the Carney government’s approach, questioning the rationale behind advancing business and diplomatic ties with India despite ongoing security threats on Canadian soil.
Gosal reiterated his dedication to the cause, emphasizing his resolve to continue organizing the upcoming referendum in Edmonton, Alberta, despite being a potential target of transnational repression efforts from the Indian government. India has consistently denied any involvement in violent activities in Canada, including the Nijjar assassination.