Inderjeet Singh Gosal, the current leader of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) in Canada, disclosed that he rebuffed an offer of protection from the Canadian government which would have necessitated him to vanish from his current life. Gosal, based in Brampton, Ont., is identified as a top target for assassination by the same group responsible for the killing of his predecessor at a Sikh temple in Surrey, B.C.
Despite facing active threats, Gosal affirmed his presence in the upcoming SFJ-organized referendum on Punjabi independence in Ottawa next month, a move anticipated to provoke the Modi government. Canada has openly accused Indian government agents of orchestrating the assassination, as supported by court filings in a U.S. federal district court this week.
Gosal, currently out on bail following his arrest last month on firearms charges, expressed concerns about the Canadian government’s shift towards normalizing relations with India in light of the ongoing threats. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) issued an unprecedented warning on Oct. 14, 2024, highlighting significant threats posed by Indian government agents engaging in criminal activities in Canada.
The escalating security concerns surrounding Gosal have raised questions about the protective measures offered by the Canadian authorities and their repercussions on his activism for the Khalistan referendum. Despite the mounting risks, Gosal remains resolute in his decision not to retreat from his advocacy efforts, emphasizing his commitment to the cause over personal safety.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of the global Sikh referendum movement, emphasized the impracticality of witness protection for Gosal in the face of persistent threats, juxtaposing the peaceful nature of their campaign with the intense security challenges they confront. The upcoming Sikh referendum event in Ottawa on Nov. 23 is expected to further strain relations with India, with Gosal and Pannun standing firm in their resolve to participate despite the risks involved.
The ongoing legal proceedings and discussions between Canadian and Indian officials reflect the complex dynamics surrounding the security threats faced by Sikh activists in Canada. Pannun underscored the need for a thorough investigation into the alleged involvement of the Indian government in the assassination plots, casting doubts on the prospects of normalizing relations under the current circumstances. Gosal echoed these sentiments, urging for a more confrontational stance towards India rather than cooperative diplomacy.