Another Sikh Canadian activist has received a “duty to warn” letter, raising doubts about the Carney government’s assertions regarding addressing Indian government foreign interference and transnational repression. Inderjeet Singh Gosal disclosed that he was handed the letter on August 14 after being contacted by the RCMP in Caledon, Ontario.
These 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 confirmed the receipt of the warning letter, signed by two RCMP members and himself as the “Intended Victim.” He also mentioned that the RCMP reiterated an earlier offer to enroll him in a witness protection program, which he declined as he prefers to continue advocating for the Khalistan referendum.
Khalistan refers to the proposed independent Sikh homeland in India’s Punjab region. Gosal, who replaced the late Hardeep Singh Nijjar as the leader of the referendum campaign in Canada, clarified that this was his sixth official police warning.
The issuance of these warnings has intensified since the Carney government initiated a reconciliation process with the Narendra Modi government. Following Nijjar’s assassination and allegations of Indian involvement in suppressing the Khalistani movement, diplomatic relations between Canada and India deteriorated, resulting in reduced diplomatic staff in both countries.
Despite efforts by the Carney government to move past the conflict and focus on enhancing commercial ties with India, duty to warn letters persist. Canada has faced scrutiny from UN rapporteurs regarding its handling of threats to Sikh Canadians, especially activists like Moninder Singh and Gosal involved in the referendum campaign.
While Gosal appreciates the RCMP’s efforts in notifying him of the threats, he criticized the Carney government’s approach. He emphasized his commitment to continuing the referendum efforts despite the risks posed by the Indian government’s alleged transnational repression tactics.
India has denied any involvement in violent acts in Canada, including Nijjar’s killing. Gosal remains resolute in his activism and plans to proceed with the upcoming referendum, undeterred by the challenges he faces as a target of potential repression.
