RCMP warns Two Canadian Sikh Separatists of life threat over Khalistan-related activities
PTC Web Desk: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has reportedly warned two Canadian Sikh separatists that they face a serious and immediate threat to their lives because of their involvement in efforts to establish an independent Sikh state in India.
According to Canadian media reports, the warnings were issued to Inderjeet Singh Gosal of Caledon, Ontario, and Manjinder Singh of Abbotsford, British Columbia. The RCMP reportedly described the threats as credible, serious and imminent.
Gosal, who serves as the Canadian coordinator of Khalistan-related referendums, said he received the warning letter on August 14 after being contacted by the RCMP over the phone.
A ‘duty to warn’ notice is generally issued when the police have intelligence suggesting that a person could face a threat to their life. Such letters may not disclose specific details about the source or nature of the threat.
The RCMP reportedly told the two men that their families and friends were not directly under threat. However, the police warned that they could potentially be harmed if an attempt was made against the activists.
The men were also advised to remain cautious and were told that spending time at locations associated with people involved in criminal activities could increase their risk.
The letters asked both men to confirm that they understood the warning and the circumstances surrounding it. The police also offered assistance in connection with the security concerns.
The warnings come amid heightened attention in Canada over threats and violence involving individuals associated with the Khalistan movement.
The latest warnings come about three years after Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Canadian Sikh activist and former organiser of Khalistan-related referendums, was shot dead in Surrey, British Columbia.
Canadian authorities have linked Nijjar’s killing to India-based criminal networks. The case has also been connected in reports to groups associated with alleged gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar.
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In July, the US Department of Justice announced the arrests of 24 suspects in different countries in connection with alleged crimes linked to such criminal networks. The cases included allegations connected to Nijjar’s killing.
Bishnoi has been accused of ordering the murder, according to the reports.
The latest RCMP warnings are likely to renew concerns over the safety of Sikh separatist activists in Canada and the growing focus on alleged links between organised crime and targeted violence.
- With inputs from agencies
