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 August 14 in Caledon, Ontario. These letters are issued by police when there is credible intelligence indicating a threat to a citizen’s life, without specifying the nature of the threat.
Gosal confirmed that the RCMP extended an offer to enroll him in a witness protection program, which he declined, emphasizing his dedication to advocating for the Khalistan referendum over personal safety. Khalistan refers to the proposed independent Sikh homeland in India’s Punjab region, with Sikh separatists advocating for this cause through non-binding referendums across various international Sikh communities.
Following the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a key figure in the Canadian referendum campaign, tensions between Canada and India escalated. The Trudeau government accused New Delhi of orchestrating Nijjar’s murder to suppress the Khalistani movement globally, resulting in diplomatic strains and reduced representation between the two countries.
Despite efforts to mend relations and focus on economic ties, duty to warn letters persist. The latest letter issued to Gosal did not attribute the threat to the Indian government but alerted him to a potential risk without providing specific details. This ongoing security concern has prompted questions from UN rapporteurs regarding Canada’s actions to protect Sikh-origin citizens from threats, particularly in light of the duty to warn notifications.
Gosal acknowledged the RCMP’s efforts in informing him of the threats but criticized the Carney government’s approach. While India denies involvement in violent activities in Canada, Gosal remains committed to his cause, highlighting the upcoming referendum in Edmonton as a democratic exercise targeted by the Indian government. Despite the challenges, he remains resolute in continuing his advocacy work.