Another Sikh Canadian activist has received a “duty to warn” communication, raising concerns about the Canadian government’s handling of Indian government foreign interference and transnational repression. Inderjeet Singh Gosal disclosed that he was contacted by the RCMP and handed the letter on Friday, August 14, in Caledon, Ont. These warning letters are issued by law enforcement when there is credible intelligence indicating a threat to a citizen’s life, without specifying the exact nature of the threat.
Gosal mentioned that the RCMP reiterated an offer to enroll him in a witness protection program, even though he is not involved in any criminal cases as a witness. Despite the offer, Gosal declined, expressing his commitment to advocating for the Khalistan referendum, stating, “I would rather take India’s bullet than stop campaigning for the Khalistan referendum.”
Khalistan refers to the envisioned independent Sikh homeland in India’s Punjab region. Recent non-binding referendums conducted by Sikhs for Justice in various Sikh communities worldwide since 2021 have provoked ire from the Indian government.
Following the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was leading the Canadian referendum campaign, Gosal was appointed as his successor by international leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Gosal revealed that this latest warning marks his sixth official police advisory.
This warning letter is one of several issued by Canadian authorities since the government initiated reconciliation efforts with the Narendra Modi administration. Amid strained relations between Canada and India post-Nijjar’s assassination, both nations experienced significant reductions in diplomatic representation due to reciprocal expulsions.
Despite efforts to move past the conflict and focus on enhancing commercial and investment ties with India, duty to warn letters continue to be issued. The letter received by Gosal did not reference the Indian government but simply indicated that “a threat has been made against your life” without providing further specifics.
Canada has faced inquiries from UN rapporteurs concerning its handling of threats to Canadian Sikh-origin citizens, particularly scrutinizing cases like that of Moninder Singh in British Columbia. Despite Canadian assurances of prioritizing citizen protection, individuals feeling targeted by the Indian government point to these warning letters as evidence of ongoing threats.
Gosal expressed gratitude to the RCMP for fulfilling their statutory duty in informing him about the death threats but criticized the Carney government’s approach. He remains resolute in his activism, emphasizing his commitment to organizing the upcoming referendum despite potential risks. India has refuted any involvement in violent activities in Canada, including the Nijjar assassination.
Gosal affirmed his unwavering stance, 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.”