Not welcome here: Canadian leader urges govt to list Bishnoi gang as "terrorist entity"

Canadian province Alberta's Premier Danielle Smith has urged Prime Minister Mark Carney and his cabinet to formally label the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a "terrorist entity". The lawmaker said the gang is involved in transnational crime and violence in Canada and abroad.

In a statement posted on X on Tuesday, Smith termed Bishnoi gang as a global criminal organisation involved violence, extortion, drug trafficking, and targeted killings, including incidents in Canada.

She further said that the organised crime group "knows no boundaries and respects no borders."


"The Lawrence Bishnoi Gang is a transnational criminal network responsible for violence, extortion, drug trafficking and targeted killings, including here in Canada. Its reach is global, and its intent is criminal and violent," she said in her post on X.


"Alberta wants to send a clear message: you are not welcome here," Smith added.

Smith said that labelling the gang a "terror entity" would empower law enforcement agencies across provincial and municipal levels to more effectively combat its operations.

"Formally designating the Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist entity will unlock critical powers, allowing provincial and municipal-level law enforcement agencies to access the necessary tools and resources needed to effectively disrupt operations and protect our people," the post read.

"The time for action is now. Alberta's government is asking the federal government and Prime Minister Mark Carney to join them in taking a stand and act to protect Albertans and all Canadians," it added.

Lawrence Bishnoi is currently under the custody of the Indian Government under many charges, including the links to the killing of Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moose Wala in 2022.

His gang also took credit for the assassination of Nationalist Congress Party leader Baba Siddique last year.