CHANDIGARH: Two Canadian Sikh separatists have been issued `duty to warn’ letters by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) warning them that their lives are under threat because of their involvement in attempts to create an independent Sikh state ``Khalistan ‘’ in India.
As per the Canadian media, police have issued the notices to Inderjeet Singh Gosal of Caledon, Ont and Manjinder Singh from Abbotsford, BC, telling them there are credible, serious and imminent threats against their lives. Besides there is no threat against their family or friends, those people could be hurt during any attempt on their lives.
The letter issued to Gosal did not mention the government of India, but only stated that the police have determined that a threat has been made against his life. At this time, the police are unable to provide you any further, specific details of the threat.
The duty to warn letters are issued by police when they possess credible intelligence that there is a threat to the life of a citizen. They typically do not provide information on the nature of the threat.
The letters advised caution, noting that spending time in places frequented by people involved in criminal activity could increase risk and asked them to confirm they understood the circumstances and offered police assistance. ``You may be putting yourself at risk if you spend time in any residence, vehicle or location frequented by those who engage in a criminal lifestyle.’’
Gosal key aide to the Indian-designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu and who has been acknowledged by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) as a coordinator for a referendum for the creation of a separate Sikh nation in the state of Punjab, called `Khalistan’, took over from Hardeep Singh Nijjar, an India-designated terrorist who was killed outside a gurdwara in British Columbia in June 2023.
Gosal told the Canadian media that he had received the letter on August 14 as the RCMP contacted him by phone and claimed the movement is peaceful and does not condone violence, adding that the threats will not change plans for the next referendum to be held in Edmonton in October.
Gosal, wanted by India was last year detained by Ontario Provincial Police officers in Whitby and later released. In 2024 also Gosal was arrested by Peel Regional Police in connection with the violent clashes at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, while a consular camp was being held by the Indian Consulate in Toronto. He has also alleged links to Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), a designated terror outfit recognized by both India and Canada.
The relations between Canada and India hit a low point following the assassination of Nijjar and allegations from the Trudeau government that the hit had been ordered by New Delhi. But India had repeatedly denied involvement with acts of violence in Canada, including the Nijjar killing.