A prominent Canadian Sikh activist has revealed receiving a new “duty to warn” notification from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) during the week of August 26, 2026, alerting him to a credible threat against his life. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a dual Canadian-U.S. citizen and lawyer, characterizes this warning as evidence that transnational repression targeting the pro-Khalistan movement continues unabated.
The RCMP threat alert represents the latest development in an ongoing pattern of security warnings issued to Sikh activists across Canada. Pannun, who serves as legal counsel for the New York-based organization Sikhs for Justice, disclosed that he also received a similar threat notification from the FBI earlier in August 2026.
What the RCMP Notification Means
According to Pannun, the RCMP explicitly stated that as a Canadian citizen, they had a duty to inform him about the credible threat. The warning mirrored the FBI’s assessment, indicating coordination between Canadian and American law enforcement agencies.
“(The RCMP) stated that since I’m a Canadian citizen… this is our duty to give you a warning that there is exactly the same thing as what the FBI stated, that there’s a credible threat to your life.”
The RCMP declined to reveal who was behind the threat or the specific motivation. However, Pannun stated that authorities informed him the threat was both “credible and imminent” and remains under active investigation.
Multiple Activists Receive Warnings
The RCMP threat alert extends beyond Pannun alone. Several other pro-Khalistan activists have reportedly received similar “duty to warn” notifications from Canadian law enforcement in recent weeks. These individuals are allegedly included in what Pannun describes as a “kill list” containing over 100 Canadians.
According to Pannun, this list comprises individuals allegedly under surveillance by Indian intelligence. He reported providing this list to the RCMP after alerting the federal government. The RCMP officials visited him in New York in June 2026 to receive the information.
The RCMP confirmed to media outlets that while they would not identify specific individuals or details about alleged threats, “duty to warns have been conducted by law enforcement across the country with members of the South Asian community.”
“The safety and security of Canadians, regardless of their background or beliefs, remains a top priority for the RCMP. We will not tolerate any form of intimidation, harassment, or harmful targeting of communities or individuals in Canada.”
Previous Assassination Plot Against Pannun
Pannun has already survived one documented assassination plot. U.S. court documents revealed that a senior Indian intelligence officer allegedly led the conspiracy. The U.S. Justice Department alleged that this officer recruited Nikhil Gupta, a 54-year-old Indian national and businessman suspected of drugs and weapons trafficking.
Gupta pleaded guilty in February 2026 to U.S. charges including murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. He faces sentencing in November 2026 and could receive approximately 20 to 24 years in prison under federal sentencing guidelines.
The FBI declined to comment on the recent threat notification issued to Pannun.
India Denies Any Involvement
India has consistently denied any involvement in the alleged plot against Pannun or any attempts to target Sikh activists and politicians in Canada. However, Pannun maintains that the earlier documented case should eliminate any doubt about responsibility.
“There should not be any doubt who is behind these assassination plots and death threats to me or to my Khalistan referendum coordinators and organizers in Canada.”
Pannun revealed he has received multiple death threats since the foiled plot became public knowledge. He emphasized that the common thread among all individuals receiving duty to warn notifications and death threats is their involvement in the Khalistan referendum movement.
Connection to the Nijjar Killing
Pannun was a close associate of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was gunned down outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023. Canada has officially blamed India for this killing, creating a significant diplomatic crisis between the two nations.
Both Pannun and Nijjar were actively involved in organizing a symbolic referendum on Khalistan—the independent state they campaigned to establish in what is now India’s Sikh-majority Punjab region.
The United Nations has previously expressed concern about India’s alleged involvement in threats against Canadian Sikh activists. This ongoing situation highlights the complex intersection of international relations, diaspora politics, and national security that affects communities across Canada.
What This Means for Canada’s South Asian Community
For members of Canada’s South Asian community, particularly those involved in political activism, understanding the “duty to warn” process is increasingly important. The RCMP issues these notifications when they receive credible intelligence about specific threats to individuals.
Community members who believe they may be at risk should:
- Contact local RCMP or police services immediately if they receive suspicious communications
- Document any threatening messages or unusual surveillance activity
- Reach out to community organizations that specialize in supporting diaspora activists
- Stay informed about security developments through official government channels
The RCMP’s commitment to protecting all Canadians regardless of background underscores the importance of reporting any concerning activity to authorities.
What is a “duty to warn” notification from the RCMP?
A “duty to warn” notification is an official alert issued by law enforcement when they receive credible intelligence about a specific threat to an individual’s life. The RCMP uses this mechanism to inform Canadian citizens when they may be in danger.
Who is Gurpatwant Singh Pannun?
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is a dual Canadian-U.S. citizen and lawyer who works with Sikhs for Justice, a New York-based organization. He is a prominent figure in the pro-Khalistan movement advocating for an independent Sikh state.
What happened with the previous assassination plot against Pannun?
According to U.S. court documents, a senior Indian intelligence officer allegedly recruited Nikhil Gupta to assassinate Pannun. Gupta pleaded guilty in February 2026 to murder-for-hire charges and faces 20 to 24 years in prison.
Has India acknowledged involvement in threats against Sikh activists?
India has consistently denied any involvement in alleged plots against Pannun or other attempts to target Sikh activists and politicians in Canada.
How many Canadians are allegedly on the “kill list” mentioned by Pannun?
According to Pannun, the alleged “kill list” contains over 100 Canadians who he claims are under surveillance by Indian intelligence.
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