VOI World/ Desk
Canadian authorities have arrested Inderjit Singh Gosal, a close aide of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and active member of the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), on charges including possession of firearms and extremist activity. The arrest comes at a time when both India and Canada are working to repair strained diplomatic ties.
Gosal, aged 36, reportedly rose in prominence within the SFJ after the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023. He has been described as Pannun’s right-hand man and served roles including personal security officer.
Last year, Gosal was detained following an alleged violent attack on a Hindu temple in Canada’s Greater Toronto Area. He was charged and later released on conditions.
India has formally declared SFJ and Pannun as terrorist entities, and the arrest is seen as significant amid recent bilateral talks between India and Canada on counter-terrorism cooperation.
This arrest may be viewed as a step in Canada’s effort to address concerns from India regarding many diaspora-based separatist groups allegedly operating on Canadian soil. It also highlights the challenge of balancing free speech, diaspora politics, and national security. For India, it underscores how external groups continue to contribute to diplomatic sensitivities.
