Last Updated:
Calls have grown in Canada to designate Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist group in the country, alleging “targeted killings” by the gang members.
Calls grow to label Lawrence Bishnoi gang as terror group in Canada (Reuters Image)
Calls have grown in Canada to designate the Lawrence Bishnoi gang a terrorist group, which is being accused of carrying out “targeted killings” in the country.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith was the latest voice to call upon the federal government with this demand.
“The Lawrence Bishnoi Gang is a transnational criminal network responsible for violence, extortion, drug trafficking and targeted killings, including here in Canada. Its reach is global, and its intent is criminal and violent,” a statement by Smith and Alberta’s Minister for Public Safety and Emergency Services, Mike Ellis, said on Monday.
They advocated that designating the gang as a terror outfit will allow the provincial and municipal-level law enforcement agencies “to access the necessary tools and resources needed to effectively disrupt operations and protect our people”.
Their remarks echoed the sentiments earlier expressed by British Columbia (BC) Premier David Eby in June this year.
Canada’s Minister for Public Safety, Gary Anandasangare, earlier told the media that “legal threshold” had to be met to designate a group as a terror outfit; however, Canadian law enforcement agencies were considering the issue.
The Bishnoi gang was not in the database of major gangs operating in British Columbia, a spokesperson of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit said.
“So far, I don’t believe I’ve seen any evidence that would tell us that the person you’ve named (Lawrence Bishnoi) has any connection with the groups that are working here, involved with drug-trafficking, firearm trafficking. This person’s name has not come forward,” Corporal Sarbjit Sangha told the outlet News Derby.
India has also sought action against members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang living and operating from Canada, which includes Goldy Brar, who is accused of involvement in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala.
Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes…Read More
Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes… Read More
view comments
- First Published:
