More than a dozen Canadian Sikhs are under assassination threat, advocacy group says, urging Ottawa to cancel Modi’s G7 invite and probe Indian interference.
Advocacy Group Warns of Assassination Threats in Canada
More than a dozen Canadian Sikhs are living under active threats to their lives, according to the World Sikh Organization (WSO). Speaking at a news conference on June 13 on Parliament Hill, WSO legal counsel Balpreet Singh said the threats originate from Indian intelligence agencies, raising urgent concerns about foreign interference and public safety.
Activists Demand Action Against Indian Interference
Joined by Sikh Federation (Canada) spokesperson Moninder Singh, the WSO is calling on the federal government to rescind Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to next week’s G7 Summit. The activists are also demanding a public inquiry into Indian foreign interference, and the termination of intelligence-sharing agreements between Canada and India.
Surveillance and Fear Disrupt Daily Life
Both speakers described living under constant surveillance and police warnings. Moninder Singh revealed he had been forced to leave his home for months, make custody arrangements for his children with RCMP and child services, and avoid public events, including family weddings and school visits. Balpreet Singh said he has received at least six direct warnings from law enforcement about credible threats to his life in recent years.
Report Reveals Past Threat to Political Leader Jagmeet Singh
The conference followed a Global News report earlier Thursday that revealed former NDP leader Jagmeet Singh was also targeted by a suspected Indian government agent in 2023. The incident prompted police protection, though authorities no longer consider him under imminent threat. WSO representatives criticized the removal of his security detail, calling it a dangerous oversight.
Cross-Party Concern Over Safety and Sovereignty
Political figures across the spectrum expressed concern. Heather McPherson, NDP foreign affairs critic, called the alleged targeting of a sitting political leader a “clear indication of foreign interference.” Interim Conservative leader Andrew Scheer emphasized that threats to public officials should be taken seriously by national security agencies.
Liberal Divide Over Modi’s G7 Invitation
Prime Minister Mark Carney has defended India’s G7 presence, citing the country’s geopolitical importance amid global challenges. However, members of Carney’s own Liberal caucus raised concerns this week, reflecting growing unease within the government. While some MPs, including Charles Sousa, have defended the invitation, others see it as incompatible with national security concerns.
Backdrop of Deteriorating Canada-India Relations
Tensions between Ottawa and New Delhi have escalated since the 2023 assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh leader and pro-Khalistan activist, who was killed outside a B.C. gurdwara. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the RCMP alleged Indian agents were involved in the murder, a claim India has denied. The incident remains a flashpoint in bilateral relations.
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