‘Dismantle this network’: Canada’s Alberta province seeks terror tag for Lawrence Bishnoi gang; follows suit from British Columbia

A second Canadian province has formally urged the Country’s federal government to declare the Lawrence Bishnoi gang a terrorist organisation, a move that could strengthen India’s case for extradition and action against wanted gangsters like Goldy Brar.On Monday, Premier of Canada’s Alberta province Danielle Smith and the province’s minister for Public Safety and Emergency Services, Mike Ellis, issued a joint statement seeking the designation of the Bishnoi gang as a terror entity under Canadian law.“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,” the statement said.It added, “We know that gang activity knows no boundaries and respects no borders, and Alberta wants to send a clear message: you are not welcome here. 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.”Their remarks come weeks after Canadian state British Columbia’s Premier David Eby also made a similar appeal in June.India has repeatedly called on Canada to take action against gangsters like Goldy Brar, a key figure in the Bishnoi network and a prime suspect in the murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala. Authorities believe several members of the gang operate from Canadian soil.If Ottawa formally designates the group as a terrorist organisation, it could allow for deeper cooperation between Canadian and Indian agencies on extradition, investigations, and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.