A terrorist listing in Canada grants the federal government the authority to freeze or seize property, vehicles, and money connected to designated groups. It also provides Canadian law enforcement with enhanced tools to prosecute terrorist offences.
The Canadian government has officially designated the Bishnoi gang, led by notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, as a terrorist organisation. This move comes in light of the gang’s involvement in murder, shootings, arson, and spreading terror through extortion and intimidation.
“Acts of violence and terror have no place in Canada, especially those that target specific communities to create a climate of fear and intimidation. That is why Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, announced that the Government of Canada has listed the Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code,” stated the Canadian Ministry of Public Safety, as reported by IANS.
According to the statement, a terrorist listing empowers the government to freeze or seize anything owned by the group in Canada, including property, vehicles, and money. It also provides law enforcement with additional tools to prosecute terrorist-related offences, such as those involving financing, travel, and recruitment.
For instance, it is a criminal offence for anyone in Canada—and Canadians abroad—to knowingly deal with property owned or controlled by a terrorist group.
The Public Safety Ministry emphasized that it is also illegal to directly or indirectly provide property, knowing it will be used by or benefit a terrorist group.
Moreover, the Criminal Code listing can be used by immigration and border officials when making decisions on admissibility to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
“The Bishnoi Gang is a transnational criminal organisation operating primarily out of India. They have a presence in Canada and are active in areas with significant diaspora communities. The Bishnoi Gang engages in murder, shootings, and arson, and generates terror through extortion and intimidation. They create a climate of insecurity in these communities by targeting them, their prominent community members, businesses, and cultural figures,” the statement added, per IANS.
The Ministry further stressed that listing the Bishnoi Gang will aid Canadian security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies in combating their crimes and ensuring community safety.
“Every person in Canada has the right to feel safe in their home and community, and as a government, it is our fundamental responsibility to protect them. Specific communities have been targeted for terror, violence, and intimidation by the Bishnoi Gang. Listing this group of criminal terrorists gives us more powerful and effective tools to confront and put a stop to their crimes,” said Gary Anandasangaree, Canadian Minister of Public Safety, according to IANS.
(With inputs from PTI and IANS)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/canada-lists-lawrence-bishnoi-gang-as-terrorist-entity-says-specific-communities-were-targeted-23596385
