Canada Designates Bishnoi Gang as Terrorist Group
In a significant move, Canada has officially designated India's Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity. This allows the Canadian government to seize assets and freeze funds belonging to the group within the country. The announcement, made by the federal public safety minister, highlights the gang's creation of a climate of fear and intimidation within Canadian diaspora communities.
The decision comes amid allegations from Canadian police that agents of the Indian government were using members of the Bishnoi gang to carry out violent acts, including homicides and extortion, targeting supporters of the pro-Khalistan movement. While India has denied these allegations, stating that Canada has not provided sufficient evidence, the designation marks a notable escalation in addressing the gang's activities.
Powerful Tools to Combat Crime
According to Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, this designation provides law enforcement in Canada with more powerful and effective tools to prosecute terrorist offenses, including financing, travel, and recruitment. He emphasized that specific communities have been targeted by the Bishnoi gang, making the designation crucial for confronting and stopping their crimes.
Who is Lawrence Bishnoi?
The Bishnoi gang, led by Lawrence Bishnoi, a 32-year-old gangster currently incarcerated in India, is described by Canada as a transnational criminal organization primarily operating out of India. Despite being behind bars for a decade, investigators in India allege that Bishnoi continues to control a gang with hundreds of members involved in various criminal activities, including extortion, drug and weapons smuggling, and targeted assassinations.
Growing Pressure and International Implications
Canada's decision to designate the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity follows mounting pressure from opposition parties and provincial premiers in Alberta and British Columbia. This move also underscores the growing concerns about international crime and extremism and the need for intelligence sharing between countries to combat these threats effectively. The designation also follows accusations of the Bishnoi gang's involvement in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh activist near Vancouver, further straining relations between Canada and India.
The Canadian government has accused the Lawrence Bishnoi gang of using “murder, shootings and arson” to extort and intimidate diaspora communities. This designation signifies a firm stance against such activities and a commitment to protecting the safety and security of its citizens.