Another Sikh Canadian activist has received a “duty to warn” letter, raising concerns about the Carney 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.
The duty to warn letters are issued by law enforcement when there is credible intelligence indicating a threat to an individual’s life, without specifying details about the threat itself. Gosal mentioned that the RCMP also reiterated an offer to enroll him in a witness protection program, although he is not a witness in any criminal cases. Despite the offer, he declined, expressing his commitment to advocating for the Khalistan referendum.
Khalistan refers to the proposed independent Sikh homeland in India’s Punjab region, supported by Sikh separatists. The recent series of non-binding referendums conducted by Sikhs for Justice in various diaspora communities worldwide since 2021 has sparked tensions with the Indian government.
Following the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who led the Canadian referendum campaign, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun appointed Gosal to lead the campaign in Canada. This latest “duty to warn” letter marks Gosal’s sixth official police warning.
The issuance of such letters has been ongoing since the Carney government initiated efforts to mend relations with the Narendra Modi government. The strained Canada-India ties escalated after Nijjar’s assassination, with allegations from the Trudeau administration accusing New Delhi of orchestrating the hit to suppress the Khalistani movement abroad.
Despite efforts to improve relations and focus on economic cooperation with India, duty to warn letters persist. The letter received by Gosal did not directly implicate the Indian government but emphasized the threat to his life without providing specific details.
Canada has faced scrutiny from UN rapporteurs regarding its handling of threats against Sikh Canadians, particularly focusing on individuals engaged in Sikh separatist activities like Moninder Singh. While Canada has assured the UN of its commitment to protecting citizens, concerns remain among those targeted by the Indian government, citing the ongoing issuance of duty to warn letters as evidence of ongoing threats.
Gosal commended the RCMP for fulfilling their duty in informing him of the threats but criticized the Carney government for its approach. He questioned the government’s decision to pursue closer ties with India while alleged threats to Canadian citizens persist.
India has denied any involvement in violent acts in Canada, including the Nijjar assassination. Gosal reaffirmed his dedication to the upcoming referendum in Edmonton, Alberta, highlighting the democratic exercise that he believes the Indian government aims to suppress through transnational repression.