Sikh Activist Faces Fresh Death Threats on Eve of Canadian Prime Minister's India Visit
Canadian police have issued a stark warning to a prominent Sikh activist, Moninder Singh, head of the Sikh Federation of Canada, regarding a "credible threat" to his life and that of his family. This alarming development comes just days before Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to visit India for crucial trade negotiations aimed at securing new economic deals.
Police Warning and Escalating Tensions
Officers visited Singh's home on Sunday, informing him that a confidential police informant had provided information indicating he and his family were at significant risk. In a recording of the police warning shared with media, an officer expressed sympathy, stating, "it kills me to know you're in this position," and seemingly concurred with Singh's assessment that the threat originated from his vocal criticism of the Indian government.
Singh, a close friend of Hardeep Singh Nijjar—a Sikh activist and Canadian citizen whose 2023 assassination was publicly linked to India by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau—believes the Indian government is behind this latest intimidation attempt. "I want everyone to know how a father or a husband would feel in a situation like this. But as an activist, as a leader in the community, I'm not going to be thwarted by this. I'm not going to be silent over this. Silence is what they want," Singh declared.
Historical Context and Diplomatic Fallout
The Khalistan movement, which advocates for an autonomous Sikh homeland in India and is banned within the country, has long been a flashpoint. Singh noted that the campaign of intimidation has intensified in recent months. This threat marks the first time his wife and two children have been explicitly targeted, heightening concerns about transnational repression.
Trudeau's 2023 accusations against India sparked a diplomatic crisis, leading to reciprocal expulsions of diplomats. Despite this, Carney has sought to mend relations, emphasizing the need for Canada to diversify its trade partnerships amid geopolitical tensions with the United States. However, a senior Canadian official claimed on Wednesday that the government is "confident" India's campaign of threats and violence has ceased, asserting that otherwise, Carney and his delegation would not proceed with the trip.
Activist Concerns and Broader Implications
For activists like Singh, Carney's visit feels like a betrayal. "How do you separate the violence in this country that's being inflicted by India – that our own intelligence and law enforcement agencies are telling us is happening and then reward them with new access to the Canadian market?" he questioned. Singh worries that the prime minister's focus on trade could allow India to evade accountability, stating, "Putting trade before Canadian lives is what we've been worried will keep happening for well over a year. It's unfortunate that it's just going to continue."
Canadian intelligence reports have detailed India's "significant escalation in repression efforts," describing a transnational campaign to threaten dissidents. Federal police have uncovered "well over a dozen credible and imminent threats to life," leading to multiple "duty to warn" notices. Investigations have also revealed surveillance of former New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh by a suspect with alleged ties to the Indian government and criminal networks, prompting police protection measures.
Comparative Diplomacy and Future Risks
Carney's outreach extends beyond India; he recently visited China, signing agreements to reduce tariffs and introduce Chinese electric vehicles to Canada, despite past tensions over detained Canadians. Singh expressed apprehension that similar trade successes in Delhi could normalize relations without addressing violence. "The difference between India and China, however, is that India has been singled out as being highly violent in Canada over the last several years. It is the one country known to have carried out an assassination on Canadian soil," he emphasized.
As trade talks loom, the safety of Sikh activists remains a pressing issue, highlighting the complex interplay between diplomacy, security, and human rights. India's high commission has not responded to requests for comment, leaving unresolved questions about the extent of foreign interference and the protection of Canadian citizens.
