Another Sikh activist in Canada has received a “duty to warn” letter, raising concerns about the Carney government’s assertion that it has effectively addressed the issue of foreign interference from the Indian government. Inderjeet Singh Gosal disclosed that he was handed the letter on Friday, August 14, following a phone call from the RCMP in Caledon, Ontario. These letters are issued by law enforcement when there is credible information indicating a threat to an individual’s life, though they typically do not disclose the specific nature of the threat.
Gosal confirmed that the RCMP informed him of a threat to his life and requested his presence to provide the warning in writing. He mentioned that the RCMP reiterated an earlier offer to enroll him in a witness protection program, even though he is not a witness in any legal proceedings. Despite the offer, Gosal declined, stating, “I would rather take India’s bullet than cease advocating for the Khalistan referendum.”
Khalistan refers to the proposed independent Sikh homeland in India’s Punjab region, supported by Sikh separatists. The Indian government has expressed displeasure over non-binding referendums conducted by the Sikhs for Justice group in Sikh diaspora communities globally since 2021.
Previously, Hardeep Singh Nijjar led the Canadian referendum campaign until his tragic death in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023. Following Nijjar’s passing, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun appointed Gosal as the new leader of the referendum campaign in Canada. Gosal revealed that this recent warning marks his sixth official police notice.
These warnings are part of several issued by Canadian authorities since the Carney government initiated efforts to reconcile with the Narendra Modi administration. Bilateral relations between Canada and India deteriorated post-Nijjar’s assassination, with accusations from the Trudeau government that New Delhi orchestrated the hit to suppress the Khalistani movement abroad. This contention led to a reduction in diplomatic representation between the two countries due to tit-for-tat expulsions.
Additionally, the RCMP held a notable news briefing in August 2024 to caution on a campaign of criminal violence in Canada inspired by the Indian government. Despite efforts to move past the conflict and prioritize economic ties with India, duty to warn letters persist. The letter sent to Gosal did not explicitly reference the Indian government but conveyed that the police had identified a threat against his life without providing further specifics.
Moreover, Canada has faced scrutiny from five UN rapporteurs questioning its handling of threats against Canadian citizens of Sikh descent, focusing on individuals like Moninder Singh in British Columbia. While Canada has assured the rapporteurs of its commitment to safeguarding its citizens, those feeling targeted by the Indian government remain unconvinced, pointing to the ongoing issuance of duty to warn letters as evidence of unresolved threats.
Gosal commended the RCMP for fulfilling their statutory duty by informing him of the active death threats but criticized the Carney government for its approach. Despite the challenges, he remains resolute in his commitment to organizing the upcoming referendum on October 18 in Edmonton, Alberta, emphasizing the need to uphold democratic processes that the Indian government seeks to suppress through transnational repression. India has denied involvement in violent acts on Canadian soil, including the Nijjar assassination.
Gosal reaffirmed his dedication to his cause, stating, “This is the exact democratic exercise that the Indian government is trying to suppress through transnational repression. So I know I’m a target for that, but that’s not going to stop me.”