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, Ont.
The duty to warn letters are dispatched by the police when there is credible intelligence indicating a threat to a citizen’s life, without detailing the nature of the threat. Gosal confirmed the receipt of the warning, signed by two RCMP members and himself. Gosal was also offered enrollment in a witness protection program, which he declined, expressing his commitment to advocating for the Khalistan referendum despite potential risks.
Khalistan refers to the proposed independent Sikh homeland in India’s Punjab region, advocated by Sikh separatists. Gosal, who replaced the late Hardeep Singh Nijjar as the leader of the Canadian referendum campaign, stated that this latest warning marks the sixth official police alert he has received.
The issuance of warning letters has become common since the Carney government initiated efforts to mend relations with the Narendra Modi government. Tensions escalated between Canada and India following Nijjar’s assassination, with allegations of New Delhi’s involvement to suppress the Khalistani movement overseas. Both countries witnessed a reduction in diplomatic representation due to expulsions.
While the Carney government aims to focus on enhancing commercial and investment ties with India, duty to warn letters persist despite assurances from the Indian government. The warnings highlight ongoing threats, with Gosal emphasizing the importance of being informed about active death threats.
Canada has faced scrutiny from UN rapporteurs regarding its handling of threats to Canadian Sikhs, particularly in the case of Moninder Singh in British Columbia. Despite Canada’s assurances of safeguarding its citizens, those targeted by the Indian government point to the warning letters as evidence of ongoing threats.
Gosal criticized the Carney government’s pursuit of closer ties with India while threats persist. The upcoming referendum in Edmonton, Alberta, on October 18 remains a focal point for Gosal, who remains resolute in the face of potential suppression efforts by the Indian government. India has denied involvement in violent acts in Canada, including the Nijjar assassination.