Should the Bishnoi Gang Be Declared a Terrorist Organization?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Surrey Mayor calls for action against organized crime.
- Designation as a terrorist organization may empower law enforcement.
- Recent violence linked to the Bishnoi gang raises concerns.
- Community safety is a priority for Canadian officials.
- Lawrence Bishnoi remains a central figure in gang-related crimes.
New Delhi, June 26 (NationPress) Surrey's Mayor Brenda Locke has called on the Canadian Federal government to officially label the Lawrence Bishnoi gang—along with any other groups engaging in extortion and violence against Canadians of South Asian heritage—as terrorist organisations under Canadian law.
In her statement, Mayor Brenda emphasized that designating the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity would enable Canadian law enforcement agencies to effectively combat organised crime networks and safeguard the community and businesses.
Highlighting the recent spate of killings and extortions allegedly carried out by the Bishnoi gang and its associates, Locke pointed out that such violent actions and ongoing gun violence connected to these criminal groups not only constitute crime but also qualify as economic terrorism.
This is not the first instance of Canadian authorities advocating for the designation of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organisation.
Recently, the Mayor of Brampton, Patrick Brown, and Deputy Mayor Harkirat Singh, alongside several Councillors, penned a letter to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Minister of Public Safety regarding this matter.
Bishnoi, a gangster from Punjab, is currently confined in Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Central Jail. Infamous for orchestrating criminal activities and ordering hits on rivals from within this high-security facility, Bishnoi has been accused of inciting gang wars, extortions, and other crimes in Canada, as per allegations from the Canadian government.
Notably, Bishnoi's main associate, Goldy Brar, who is believed to oversee gang operations globally, is reportedly at odds with Bishnoi.
Media reports suggest that Bishnoi and Goldy Brar have parted ways, but there has been no official confirmation as of yet.
Brar gained notoriety for his criminal exploits following the murder of singer Sidhu Moose Wala, and he allegedly ordered the shooting at Punjabi singer AP Dhillon's residence in Canada last year.