Another Sikh Canadian activist has received a “duty to warn” notice, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the Carney government’s efforts to address Indian government interference and transnational repression.
Inderjeet Singh Gosal disclosed that he was handed the letter on August 14 after a phone call from the RCMP in Caledon, Ontario. These letters are issued by police when credible intelligence indicates a threat to an individual’s life, without specifying the nature of the threat.
According to Gosal, the RCMP informed him of a threat to his life and requested to meet him urgently to deliver the warning in writing. He declined an offer to join a witness protection program, stating his commitment to advocating for the Khalistan referendum over personal safety.
Khalistan refers to the envisioned independent Sikh homeland in India’s Punjab region. The ongoing non-binding referendums conducted by Sikhs for Justice in various diaspora communities have incited backlash from the Indian government.
Following the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023, Pannun appointed Gosal as the leader of the Canadian referendum campaign. This latest warning marks Gosal’s sixth official police alert.
Amid the reconciliation efforts between the Carney government and the Modi administration, Canada and India witnessed strained relations post-Nijjar’s assassination, with mutual diplomatic downsizing due to expulsions.
Despite reassurances from Indian officials, duty to warn letters persist, with Gosal’s notice refraining from naming the Indian government but emphasizing a life threat without specifics.
UN rapporteurs have questioned Canada’s handling of threats against Canadian Sikhs, referring to activists like Moninder Singh Khalistani and Gosal who engage in separatist politics. Gosal appreciates the RCMP’s notifications but criticizes the Carney government’s business and diplomatic engagements with India amidst ongoing threats.
India denies involvement in Canadian violence incidents, including the Nijjar case. Gosal remains resolute in his referendum campaign despite risks and vows to continue his advocacy against transnational repression.