The new leader of the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) group in Canada, Inderjeet Singh Gosal, has disclosed that he declined an offer of protection from the Canadian government. The offer required him to disappear from his current life, which he found unacceptable. Gosal, based in Brampton, Ont., is a prime target for potential assassination, following the tragic killing of his predecessor at a Sikh temple in Surrey, B.C.
Despite facing active threats, Gosal remains resolute about his stance and plans to participate in an upcoming SFJ-organized referendum on Punjabi independence from India in the capital next month. Canada has openly accused Indian government agents of orchestrating the previous assassination. Recent court documents from U.S. prosecutors further link the incident to an operative of India’s foreign intelligence agency.
Gosal, currently out on bail facing firearms charges, expressed concerns about the Canadian government’s decision to improve ties with India amid the ongoing threats. The RCMP issued a rare public warning about the involvement of Indian government agents in serious criminal activities in Canada, emphasizing the significant threat to public safety.
The SFJ leader, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, highlighted the challenges faced by Gosal, stating that witness protection was not a viable solution for someone advocating for a peaceful referendum campaign. Despite the risks, Gosal remains committed to his cause and recently participated in a protest on Parliament Hill calling for a halt in Canada’s reconciliation with India until safety concerns are addressed.
The escalating threats and ongoing RCMP warnings to Gosal underscore the complexities surrounding Canada’s diplomatic relations with India. Pannun emphasized the need for accountability and urged Canadian officials to confront, rather than cooperate, with India regarding the concerning developments. The normalization of relations with India under Prime Minister Carney’s leadership may face obstacles given the current circumstances.
