Another Sikh Canadian activist has recently received a “duty to warn” letter, raising concerns about the Carney government’s handling of foreign interference from the Indian government and transnational repression. Inderjeet Singh Gosal disclosed that he was contacted by the RCMP on Friday, Aug. 14, in Caledon, Ont., to deliver the letter.
These “duty to warn” letters are issued by the police when there is credible intelligence indicating a threat to a citizen’s life, without specifying the nature of the threat. Gosal shared with CBC News that the RCMP informed him about a threat to his life and the need to meet him urgently to provide the warning in writing.
Gosal confirmed that he was offered enrollment in a witness protection program, even though he is not a witness in any criminal cases. 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, championed by Sikh separatists. The Indian government has expressed displeasure over non-binding referendums conducted by the Sikhs for Justice group in Sikh communities worldwide since 2021.
Following the assassination of Canadian referendum campaign leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, B.C., in June 2023, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun appointed Gosal as Nijjar’s successor. Notably, this latest warning marked Gosal’s sixth official police alert.
There has been a series of warnings issued by Canadian authorities since the Carney government initiated efforts to mend relations with the Narendra Modi government. Tensions between Canada and India escalated after Nijjar’s assassination, with accusations from the Trudeau government suggesting New Delhi’s involvement in suppressing the Khalistani movement abroad.
Both countries witnessed a reduction in diplomatic representations due to reciprocal expulsions. Additionally, the RCMP held a notable news conference in August 2024 to caution about a campaign of criminal violence in Canada reportedly inspired by the Indian government.
Despite the Carney government’s intentions to shift focus towards enhancing commercial and investment ties with India, “duty to warn” letters persist. The letter received by Gosal did not mention the Indian government but simply stated the police’s determination of a threat without providing specific details.
Furthermore, Canada has been under scrutiny from five UN rapporteurs regarding its handling of threats to Sikh Canadian citizens, particularly Moninder Singh from British Columbia, involved in Sikh separatist activities. While Canada has reassured the rapporteurs of its commitment to protecting its citizens, individuals feeling targeted by the Indian government point to the ongoing “duty to warn” letters as evidence of the persisting threat.
Gosal expressed appreciation for the RCMP’s efforts in informing him about the active death threats but criticized the Carney government’s approach. He emphasized his dedication to continuing his activism for the upcoming referendum, underscoring the democratic exercise that the Indian government seeks to suppress through transnational repression. India has denied any involvement in violent incidents in Canada, including Nijjar’s killing.
Gosal affirmed his unwavering commitment to the cause, stating, “I’m going to continue organizing the next referendum on Oct. 18 in Edmonton, Alberta, despite being a target. The democratic process must prevail, regardless of attempts to thwart it.”