Another Sikh Canadian activist has received a “duty to warn” letter, raising concerns about the Carney government’s handling of Indian government interference and transnational repression. Inderjeet Singh Gosal disclosed that he was handed the letter on August 14 after a phone call from the RCMP in Caledon, Ontario.
The “duty to warn” letters are issued by law enforcement when they have credible intelligence indicating a threat to a citizen’s life, without disclosing specifics about the threat itself. Gosal shared with CBC News that the RCMP contacted him to provide the warning in person and for him to acknowledge it in writing.
Despite an offer to enroll him in a witness protection program, Gosal, who is not involved in any criminal proceedings as a witness, declined the offer. He expressed his commitment to advocating for the Khalistan referendum, stating he would rather face the risks associated with it than accept protection.
Khalistan refers to the proposed independent Sikh homeland in India’s Punjab region, championed by Sikh separatists. The Indian government has been displeased with non-binding referendums conducted by the group Sikhs for Justice across Sikh diaspora communities worldwide since 2021.
Following the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who spearheaded the Canadian referendum campaign until his death in Surrey, British Columbia in June 2023, Gosal was appointed to lead the campaign. This latest warning marks the sixth official police notification he has received.
The issuing of such warnings has become more frequent since the Carney government initiated a reconciliation process with the Narendra Modi government. Tensions between Canada and India escalated after Nijjar’s assassination, with allegations from the Trudeau government accusing New Delhi of ordering the hit to suppress the Khalistani movement overseas.
Both countries witnessed diplomatic strains, resulting in reduced representations following reciprocal expulsions. The RCMP held a press conference in August 2024 to alert the public about a campaign of criminal violence in Canada allegedly instigated by the Indian government.
Despite recent efforts by the Carney government to mend relations and focus on economic ties with India, duty to warn letters persist. The letter received by Gosal did not directly reference the Indian government but indicated that a threat had been identified without providing specific details.
Canada has faced scrutiny from UN rapporteurs questioning its ability to safeguard Sikh-origin Canadian citizens from threats, with a focus on individuals like Moninder Singh in British Columbia, involved in Sikh separatist activities. While Canada has assured the UN of its commitment to protecting its citizens, concerns persist among those targeted by the Indian government, citing the ongoing issuance of warning letters as evidence of the looming threat.
Gosal commended the RCMP for fulfilling their duty of informing him about the threats but criticized the Carney government’s approach. He questioned the government’s decision to resume business and diplomatic engagements with India while threats to Canadian citizens persist.
India has denied any involvement in violent activities in Canada, including the Nijjar assassination. Gosal reiterated his determination to continue organizing the upcoming referendum in Edmonton, Alberta, despite being a potential target for suppression by the Indian government.
