The recent warning issued by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to prominent Sikh activist Inderjeet Singh Gosal has raised alarms regarding India’s ongoing targeting of Canadian Sikhs amid Canada’s attempts to strengthen diplomatic and trade ties with India. Gosal disclosed in a recent interview that the RCMP indicated he may be in imminent danger, possibly facing assassination within weeks. The police had informed him that new intelligence suggested hitmen are present in Canada with plans to take him out. Despite being offered protection akin to a witness protection program, Gosal declined, asserting that such measures would hinder his activism for an independent Punjab.
This warning adds to a troubling narrative of India’s alleged orchestrations against Sikh separatists in Canada, especially following the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023, a previous leader of movements seeking an independent Sikh state. Canada has accused India of being involved in Nijjar’s assassination and plotting against other activists, with Gosal insinuating that these threats emanate directly from the Indian government. His call for action reflects growing unease within the Sikh community and a demand for accountability from the Canadian government, especially amid recent diplomatic appointments in New Delhi.
The RCMP and Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) refrained from confirming the allegations regarding India’s involvement in threats against Sikh activists in Canada. While CSIS acknowledged that India has engaged in various activities to influence Canadian communities and politics, specifics about ongoing investigations or interactions with alleged proxies remain undisclosed. The RCMP first alerted Sikh activists about potential threats to their lives in 2022, marking a disturbing trend that culminated in Nijjar’s assassination shortly after he was warned.
Despite the gravity of the situation and the links established by Canadian authorities between the Indian government and violence against Indo-Canadians, the Canadian administration under Prime Minister Mark Carney has opted to prioritize mending ties with India. Carney’s diplomatic efforts have included inviting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the G7 summit and appointing a new high commissioner to facilitate improved relations. However, these actions have not assuaged the concerns expressed by Sikh organizations regarding India’s transnational repression and continued threats against individuals advocating for Khalistan.
Sikh activists and leaders have voiced concerns that the renewed diplomatic efforts may inadvertently expose them to heightened risks, reverting them to conditions similar to those experienced during Nijjar’s assassination. Moninder Singh, a spokesperson for the Sikh Federation Canada, articulated this sentiment, questioning the effectiveness of Carney’s recent initiatives and emphasizing the need for tangible actions to ensure the safety of Canadian Sikhs. Balpreet Singh further urged the Canadian government to compel India to halt its intelligence operations in Canada and advocate for the designation of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity.
In the face of threats, Gosal remains resolute in his activism, gearing up for a Khalistan referendum event scheduled for November 23. Despite police advising him to maintain a low profile for safety reasons, he asserts that public engagement is crucial for the success of the campaign. His sentiments underscore the broader dilemma faced by Sikh activists—balancing the urgency of their cause with the grave risks posed by external threats, all while navigating the complex diplomatic landscape between Canada and India.
