No negotiating with criminals and gangs: COP leader

The Congress of the People (COP) issued a statement Saturday supporting government's policy of not negotiating with criminals.

The media statement by COP Leader Prakash Ramadhar said the country needs to adopt a multifaceted approach to deal with the problem of gangs and gang violence.

“The Congress of the People is deeply concerned about recent developments surrounding a meeting between State agencies and persons described as “gang members” or “community leaders”.

“It does not matter who initiated or organised this meeting. Nor does it matter which political figure at national or local government levels participated in the meeting or facilitated its organisation. The fact is that several representatives of State agencies were present.

“The COP considers that politicians attempting to negotiate gangs and gang violence to be unacceptable. Those who compare this recent meeting with the so-called summit of community leaders organised by the previous Prime Minister must bear in mind the changed context.

“Gangs, gang membership, harbouring, assisting and protecting gangs and gang members are now criminal offences. 

"The Anti-Gang legislation was introduced by this Government and to act in a manner which appears to dilute the importance and political will to enforce it erodes its credibility. It is that important. 

"The COP has advocated and promotes a multi-pronged approach to addressing the problem of gangs and gang violence, in particular, and crime generally. 

“This means that: The law must be enforced, including removing the material bases (drugs and guns) of gang activity.”