The Sikh Times - News and Analysis - Canada Bans Five More Terrorist Groups

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Canada Bans Five More Terrorist Groups

By ALLISON LAWLOR

The Globe and Mail, Jun. 18, 2003

"Solicitor-General Wayne Easter announced Wednesday that the federal government has banned another five organizations for terrorist activity. The militant Sikh groups Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Khalsa International are among the groups that have been added to Ottawa's list of banned entities. By belonging to the groups, contributing money to them or facilitating their activities could result in up to 10 years in prison. As well, any person or group listed can have its assets seized and forfeited."
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"The federal government has listed 31 entities under the Anti-Terrorism Act and the process for other possible listings continues, Mr. Easter said. In addition to Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Khalsa International, Ottawa banned the Muslim extremist groups Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and the International Sikh Youth Federation. 'The government of Canada has determined that these entities knowingly engaged in terrorist activity,' the government said in a news release. Under the Criminal Code, an entity can be added to the banned list on the recommendation of the Solicitor-General. Recommendations made by the Solicitor-General are based on 'a rigorous evaluation of the facts,' the government said in a news release. The law provides an appeal process and any listed entity can apply to the Solicitor-General to be removed from the list."
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"According to the federal government:"
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"The International Sikh Youth Federation aims to promote Sikh philosophy and the establishment of an independent Sikh nation called Khalistan. Since 1984, its members have been engaged in terrorist attacks, assassinations and bombings mostly against Indian political figures, but also against moderate members of the Sikh community opposed to their extremist ways."
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"Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Khalsa International are among the most vicious and powerful of the militant Sikh groups."
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"Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (Army of the Pure), is a Pakistan-based, radical Islamist organization operating in the Indian state of Kashmir and Jammu. The group has targeted both civilians and the Indian security forces, and has become infamous for carrying out massacres of non-Muslims."
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"Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (Army of Jhang) is a Sunni Islamic organization that commits terrorist acts, including bombings and assassinations, traditionally against individuals or groups belonging to the Shiite Islamic community in Pakistan. The group's goal is the creation of a Sunni Muslim state."
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