Another Sikh Canadian activist has received a “duty to warn” notification, raising doubts about the Carney government’s assertion that it has effectively handled Indian government interference and transnational repression concerns.
Inderjeet Singh Gosal disclosed that he was handed the warning on August 14 after being contacted by the RCMP in Caledon, Ontario. These letters are issued by law enforcement when there is credible intelligence indicating a threat to a citizen’s life, without detailing the nature of the threat.
Gosal confirmed that the RCMP offered to enroll him in a witness protection program, despite his lack of involvement in criminal cases, but he declined, stating he would rather face potential risks than cease advocating for the Khalistan referendum.
Khalistan refers to the proposed independent Sikh homeland in India’s Punjab region. Recent non-binding referendums by Sikhs for Justice in various diaspora communities have irked the Indian government.
Gosal, appointed as the leader of the Canadian referendum campaign following the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, has received six official police warnings. These warnings have been recurrent since the Carney government initiated efforts to improve relations with India.
Tensions between Canada and India escalated after Nijjar’s assassination, with both nations reducing their diplomatic presence due to expulsions. The RCMP also highlighted Indian government-linked criminal activities in Canada in a news conference.
Despite Canada’s efforts to move past the conflict and focus on economic ties with India, the issuance of duty to warn letters persists. The warnings, including the one sent to Gosal, indicate an ongoing threat without explicitly implicating the Indian government.
The UN has raised concerns regarding Canada’s handling of threats to Sikh Canadian citizens, particularly in the case of Moninder Singh. While Canada assures its commitment to safeguarding citizens, those feeling targeted by the Indian government view the warnings as evidence of ongoing threats.
Gosal commended the RCMP for informing him about the threats but criticized the Carney government’s approach. He remains resolute in his advocacy for the upcoming referendum, despite the risks posed by alleged transnational repression efforts by the Indian government. India denies involvement in violent acts in Canada.