Khalistani separatist Inderjeet Singh Gosal, a key figure in the Sikh secessionist movement, has been released on bail in Canada and has announced plans to intensify efforts for a so-called Khalistan referendum in India. Gosal, who is associated with the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) group, walked out of the Ontario Central East Correctional Centre just a week after his arrest and immediately issued a provocative message aimed at the Indian government.

In a video recorded outside the prison gates, Gosal declared his intention to support SFJ’s international campaign for a Khalistan referendum, scheduled for November 23, 2025. “India, I’m out; to support Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, to organise the Khalistan referendum… Delhi banega Khalistan,” he said in the video.

The video also featured a direct threat from SFJ’s general counsel, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who challenged India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. “Ajit Doval, why don’t you come to Canada, America or any European country and try to arrest or do any extradition? Doval, I am waiting for you,” Pannun said.

Pannun, who leads the banned SFJ outfit, is already facing serious charges in India, including for a speech in which he offered a ₹11 crore reward to anyone who could stop the national flag hoisting at the Red Fort on Independence Day — a move viewed as a direct challenge to India’s sovereignty.

Gosal’s release has added momentum to the Khalistani campaign abroad. He is expected to lead the next phase of the SFJ’s so-called referendum from Canada, where he serves as the organisation’s coordinator. According to the group, he will oversee the mobilisation for the November 2025 event.

Gosal had been arrested along with Jagdeep Singh, 41, of Pickville, New York, and Arman Singh, 23, of Toronto. The trio faced a total of 36 weapons-related charges after their vehicle was stopped by Ontario Provincial Police in Oshawa on September 19.

Despite the charges, SFJ continues to operate in North America and parts of Europe, using these platforms to amplify its separatist agenda — a concern that has repeatedly strained India’s diplomatic ties with Canada and other Western countries.