Another Sikh Canadian activist has received a “duty to warn” notification, 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, Ontario.
These letters are issued by law enforcement when there is credible intelligence indicating a threat to an individual’s life. They typically do not disclose specifics about the nature of the threat. Gosal confirmed the receipt of the warning from the RCMP, stating that they mentioned a threat to his life and requested to meet him urgently to provide the warning in writing.
The letter, signed by two RCMP members and Gosal, who is listed as the “Intended Victim,” was shown to CBC News. Gosal was informed by the RCMP about the option to enter a witness protection program, despite not being involved in any criminal cases. However, he declined the offer, expressing his commitment to advocating for the Khalistan referendum.
Khalistan refers to the proposed independent Sikh homeland in India’s Punjab region. The Indian government has been provoked by non-binding referendums organized by Sikhs for Justice across diaspora communities worldwide since 2021.
Following the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the leader of the Canadian referendum campaign, the relationship between Canada and India deteriorated. The Trudeau government accused New Delhi of orchestrating the hit to suppress the Khalistani movement overseas, leading to reciprocal expulsions of diplomats.
Despite efforts to mend relations and focus on economic ties with India, duty to warn letters persist. The recent letter to Gosal did not directly implicate the Indian government but simply alerted him to a threat without providing further details.
Canada has faced scrutiny from UN rapporteurs regarding its handling of threats to Sikh-Canadian citizens, particularly in the case of Moninder Singh. The government has assured the rapporteurs of its commitment to protecting citizens but individuals like Gosal view the ongoing warnings as evidence of lingering threats.
Gosal commended the RCMP for fulfilling their duty but criticized the Carney government for pursuing closer ties with India while threats persist. He remains resolute in his activism and plans to continue organizing the upcoming referendum despite facing potential risks. India has denied any involvement in violent acts in Canada, including the Nijjar assassination.
The next referendum is scheduled for October 18 in Edmonton, Alberta, and Gosal remains undeterred in his pursuit of democratic rights, despite the challenges posed by transnational repression efforts.
[Source](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/sikh-activist-threat-rcmp-india-9.7311154)