Daijiworld Media Network – Ottawa

Ottawa, Sep 23: In a significant move signalling a policy shift, Canadian authorities have arrested Inderjit Singh Gosal, the Canada coordinator of the banned outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and a key figure in the Khalistan referendum campaign. Gosal, who took over the movement after the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, faces multiple firearms charges and is reported to have links with another proscribed group, Babbar Khalsa International.

The arrest comes days after high-level security talks in New Delhi between India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his Canadian counterpart Nathalie Drouin, highlighting fresh cooperation on counter-terror measures.

Gosal, accused of plotting violence at Indian consulate establishments in Canada, has long been at the forefront of anti-India activities. He had earlier acted as a personal security officer to SFJ chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannu and campaigned aggressively for the Khalistan referendum, often sparking confrontations within the Sikh community.

Last year, Gosal was briefly detained in connection with violence at a temple in the Greater Toronto Area but was released. Tensions between New Delhi and Ottawa escalated after Nijjar’s killing, with former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accusing Indian agencies of involvement—a charge India strongly denied. India subsequently withdrew its high commissioner and several diplomats while also expelling Canadian officials.

Months ago, Gosal claimed that Canadian police had warned him of a possible assassination attempt, stating he was among 13 Canadian citizens targeted for violence aimed at pro-Khalistan elements. Despite the threat, he vowed to continue the secessionist campaign, alleging danger from “agents and proxies of the government of India.”

Canadian authorities have yet to release further details on the charges, but the arrest underscores a toughened stance against extremist activities on Canadian soil.