Inderjit Singh Gosal, the brand new head of the Khalistan referendum marketing campaign in Canada following the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, has been arrested by Canadian police. Gosal, additionally the Canada coordinator for the terrorist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), was arrested on a number of firearms prices. The arrest follows intently on the heels of Indian Nationwide Safety Advisor Ajit Doval assembly his Canadian counterpart Nathalie Drouin in New Delhi final week, and is being seen as a sign of a change in Canada’s coverage in direction of pro-Khalistan forces.
Gosal’s Suspected Function And Controversial Background
The identify of Gosal had come to the forefront of anti-India actions after the demise of Nijjar. He was a suspect in a violence case at a temple throughout the Better Toronto Space final 12 months and was launched after his short-term detention. He was additionally accused of plotting for violence at Indian consulate amenities in Canada. Famend for his hyperactive marketing campaign in assist of the Khalistan referendum, Gosal was additionally a private safety officer to SFJ chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannu on his journeys to Canada. He’s additionally recognized to have associations with Babbar Khalsa Worldwide (BKI), a proscribed terror group.
Diplomatic Tensions And Safety Claims
The arrest comes after a interval of extremely tense diplomatic relations between Canada and India following Nijjar’s homicide final 12 months. Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had blamed Indian authorities officers for plotting the homicide. India had retaliated by withdrawing its excessive commissioner and 5 different officers from Ottawa and expelling Canadian diplomats.
Gosal himself had acknowledged that he too was a sufferer of prison violence. In an interview with a Canadian information portal, he stated that he was underneath an “imminent risk to my life from the brokers and proxies of the government of India” however nonetheless felt obligated to proceed his work. Canadian police too had acknowledged that Gosal was one amongst 13 residents who had been victims of violence focused at pro-Khalistan forces.