Ottawa: Canada’s national police force has warned two Sikh separatist activists that they could face serious danger, according to Canadian media reports, following concerns linked to their involvement in the Khalistan movement.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) issued what are known as “duty to warn” notices to Inderjeet Singh Gosal, who lives in Caledon, Ontario, and Manjinder Singh of Abbotsford, British Columbia.
The notices reportedly described the threats as credible and imminent. Gosal said he was contacted by the RCMP by telephone before receiving his warning letter on August 14.
A duty-to-warn notification is generally issued when law enforcement receives credible intelligence indicating that an individual may be at risk of serious harm. Such notices do not necessarily disclose the source or specific details of the threat.
According to the reports, police told the two men that their immediate families and associates were not themselves considered targets. However, officers cautioned that people close to them could potentially be exposed to danger if an attack were attempted.
The activists were also advised to remain vigilant and avoid situations or locations that could increase their exposure to individuals associated with criminal activity.
Gosal is involved in organising Canadian referenda related to the proposed creation of an independent Sikh state, commonly referred to as Khalistan.
The RCMP reportedly asked both men to acknowledge that they understood the warning and informed them that police assistance was available if required.
Nijjar killing remains a backdrop
The latest warnings come roughly three years after the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Canadian Sikh activist and organiser of Khalistan-related activities. Nijjar was shot dead in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023.
Canadian authorities have previously linked the case to alleged criminal networks operating from India. The developments surrounding Nijjar’s death have also contributed to significant diplomatic tensions between Canada and India.
In July, the US Department of Justice announced the arrests of 24 people across several countries in connection with alleged crimes attributed to networks associated with gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar. Authorities said the cases included the killing of Nijjar.
Bishnoi has been accused of ordering the assassination, according to the reports.
The latest RCMP warnings have therefore renewed attention on the security concerns surrounding Sikh separatist activists in Canada, particularly those involved in campaigns advocating an independent Khalistan.
