Inderjeet Singh Gosal, the new leader of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) in Canada, declined an offer of government protection that would have required him to disappear from his life. Gosal, based in Brampton, Ontario, is a prime target for assassination, following the fatal shooting of his predecessor at a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia.
Despite facing threats, Gosal remains determined to actively participate in the upcoming SFJ-organized referendum on Punjabi independence in Ottawa next month, a move that is expected to provoke the Modi government of India. The Canadian authorities have accused Indian government agents of orchestrating the previous assassination plot.
Gosal, who is currently out on bail facing firearms charges, revealed that the RCMP issued multiple warnings about imminent threats against him. He disclosed that the authorities offered him witness protection, but he refused, emphasizing his commitment to campaigning for the Khalistan referendum.
The escalating risks faced by Gosal raise concerns about the Canadian government’s decision to normalize relations with India. The RCMP’s public statement on India’s alleged involvement in criminal activities in Canada further underscores the pressing security issues within the Sikh community.
Meanwhile, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of the global Sikh referendum movement, highlighted the challenges faced by Gosal and criticized the impracticality of witness protection for an individual advocating for a peaceful cause. Pannun emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation into the assassination plots and denounced the distractions caused by the listing of criminal entities involved in the attacks.
As tensions persist, Gosal and Pannun reiterated their commitment to continue their advocacy efforts, undeterred by the risks and mounting threats. They emphasized the importance of holding accountable those responsible for the violence and intimidation within the Sikh community.
In light of these developments, the Canadian government’s approach to restoring diplomatic ties with India has come under scrutiny. Calls have been made for a thorough review of the evidence implicating the Indian government and for a more transparent and assertive stance in addressing the security concerns raised by the Sikh community in Canada.
