CUT OUT THE ROOTS OF VIOLENCE

It is about time that a forum is being held to help get to the roots of
violence among some Indo-Canadians ('The mythical Bindy' cocaine dealer,
May 25).

The incidents of murder being experienced by the Indo-Canadian community
appear to be significantly out of proportion with regard to the numbers of
murders in the community as a whole. The police refer to about 50 deaths of
young Indo-Canadian males, an astonishing number, which they attribute to
gang or drug violence.

But it is not just the gang violence that should be addressed. There would
also appear to be a significant number of domestic assaults, often ending
in death, directed at Indo-Canadian women.

For lawyer Russ Chamberlain to suggest the June forum is racist and a waste
of time is absurd. And, for him to further suggest that young Indo-Canadian
males would revere and respect a gangster like Bindy Johal is an insult to
all young Indo-Canadian males.

His further suggestion that if we legalize all drugs we "won't have very
many murders in this province" is completely out of touch with reality.

I hope this forum will encourage the elders in this community to speak out
against this continued violent activity and help to put a stop to this carnage.

Leon Bourque, Abbotsford