The new leader of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) in Canada, Inderjeet Singh Gosal, has disclosed that he rejected an offer of protection from the Canadian government due to the condition of disappearing from his current life. Gosal, based in Brampton, Ontario, is a prime target for potential assassination, following the tragic death of his predecessor, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, at a Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, B.C.
Despite facing active threats, Gosal remains resolute in participating in the upcoming SFJ-organized referendum on Punjabi independence from India in Ottawa next month. This event is expected to provoke the Modi government, as Canada has openly accused Indian government agents of orchestrating Nijjar’s murder.
In recent developments, the RCMP issued an unprecedented warning on October 14, 2024, citing ongoing investigations into the involvement of Indian government agents in serious criminal activities in Canada, posing a significant threat to public safety. This warning followed the diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, leading to reciprocal diplomatic expulsions.
Gosal revealed that the RCMP intensified their warnings to him starting in August, highlighting the presence of hitmen in the vicinity. Despite being offered witness protection, which required him to go into hiding, Gosal chose to decline, emphasizing his commitment to campaigning for the Khalistan referendum.
The SFJ’s worldwide leader, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, emphasized that Gosal’s refusal to accept witness protection stemmed from his peaceful referendum campaign, contrasting it with criminal gang warfare scenarios. Pannun stressed the implications of Gosal’s decision in the context of the charges he faces related to firearms possession.
Gosal participated in a protest on Parliament Hill urging Canada to suspend diplomatic reconciliation with India until concerns over violence, intimidation, and assassinations targeting the Sikh community in Canada are addressed. Despite facing elevated risks, Gosal affirmed his presence at the Sikh referendum event in Ottawa on November 23, signaling his unwavering stance against threats and intimidation tactics.
The ongoing threats to Gosal and the issuance of precautionary notices by the RCMP cast doubt on the efforts to normalize relations with India. Pannun called for concrete actions from Foreign Minister Anita Anand, urging her to confront India based on evidence provided by the U.S. Department of Justice regarding alleged assassination plots.
Gosal criticized Canada’s eagerness to move past the diplomatic discord with India, emphasizing the need for a robust approach in dealing with the issues at hand. The refusal of protection by Gosal underscores the challenges faced by activists advocating for Sikh rights and independence movements in the face of persistent threats and intimidation tactics.
