Canadian authorities have apprehended a Sikh activist in Ontario on charges related to firearms, as reported by an advocacy group on Monday. The individual, identified as Inderjeet Singh Gosal, is affiliated with Sikhs for Justice, an organization advocating for a separate Sikh homeland in India. Gosal, who could not be reached for comment on Monday, has previously disclosed receiving warnings from Canadian law enforcement about potential threats to his life.
Law enforcement officials did not provide immediate responses to inquiries on Monday. However, previous statements from Canadian police have indicated that several Sikh activists in Canada have been cautioned in similar situations. These warnings came in the aftermath of the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh activist who was fatally shot outside a Sikh temple in British Columbia in June 2023. Nijjar had close ties to Gosal.
The tragic incident strained relations between Canada and India, with former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggesting in September 2023 that there were credible connections between Nijjar’s murder and Indian government operatives. In response, India rejected the allegations and accused Canada of harboring Sikh separatists. Trudeau’s successor, Mark Carney, has since aimed to foster improved relations with India.