The new leader of the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) in Canada, Inderjeet Singh Gosal, has disclosed that he declined an offer of protection from the Canadian government that would have required him to disappear from his current life. Gosal, based in Brampton, Ontario, is a prime target for potential assassination by the same groups responsible for the killing of his predecessor at a Gurdwara in Surrey, B.C.
Despite facing active threats, Gosal remains steadfast in his plans to attend an upcoming SFJ-organized referendum on Punjabi independence from India in Ottawa next month, a move expected to provoke the Modi government. Recent court documents from U.S. prosecutors have linked the assassination to an agent of India’s foreign intelligence agency, corroborating Canada’s public accusation against Indian government agents.
Gosal, currently released on bail following his arrest on firearms charges, expressed concerns about the Carney government’s efforts to normalize relations with India in light of the ongoing threats. The RCMP issued an unprecedented warning on October 14, 2024, highlighting the serious threat posed by agents of the Indian government engaging in criminal activities in Canada.
The escalating risks faced by Gosal have raised doubts about the efficacy of witness protection offered to him, as he remains determined to continue advocating for the Khalistan referendum campaign. Meanwhile, the SFJ leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun emphasized that Gosal’s safety should not hinge on disappearing from public life, given his peaceful civil rights advocacy.
Both Gosal and Pannun underscored the importance of maintaining visibility and not succumbing to intimidation, despite the challenges. Gosal’s presence at a recent protest on Parliament Hill calling for a halt in Canada-India relations until concerns about violence and intimidation are addressed underscores his commitment to the cause.
As Gosal gears up for the upcoming Sikh referendum event in Ottawa, scheduled for November 23, he remains resolute in his stance against the normalization of relations with India in the face of continued threats and challenges. Pannun echoed similar sentiments, urging for a thorough investigation into the alleged assassination plots and seeking accountability from the Indian government.