India has expressed deep concern over the frequent acts that glorify terrorism in Canada, describing them as "deplorable". The Indian High Commission remarked that it is unfortunate for such actions to become routine in a country where they should be universally condemned by all peace-loving nations and individuals.
In a statement released on the occasion of the 39th anniversary of the 1985 Kanishka bombing, which claimed 329 lives, mostly Canadians of Indian origin, on an Air India flight, the Indian High Commission in Ottawa emphasized that terrorism transcends borders, nationalities, and races.
The Air India 'Kanishka' Flight 182, en route from Montreal to New Delhi, exploded tragically 45 minutes before its scheduled landing at London's Heathrow Airport on June 23, 1985. The bombing, attributed to Sikh militants in retaliation for 'Operation Bluestar' aimed at clearing militants from the Golden Temple in 1984, stands as a haunting chapter in Canadian aviation history.
The Indian High Commission and Indian consulates in Toronto and Vancouver organized memorial services to honor the victims of this heinous act of terror. The statement underscored that while nearly four decades have passed, terrorism remains a grave threat to international peace and security today.
The statement condemned any form of glorification of terrorism, including the tragic bombing of Flight AI-182 in 1985, urging all peace-loving countries and individuals to join in condemnation. It lamented the unfortunate reality that such acts are sometimes allowed to occur routinely in Canada.
Last week, India strongly objected to the Canadian parliament observing a "one-minute silence" in memory of Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was killed in British Columbia in June last year. India also pressed Canada to take decisive action against those advocating violence and orchestrating anti-India campaigns from Canadian soil.
Emphasizing that terrorism is a global challenge requiring collective action, the Indian mission reiterated India's proactive stance in combating terrorism with support from like-minded nations.
Regarding the Kanishka bombing as the deadliest incident in Canadian aviation history, the Indian mission mourned the irreplaceable loss suffered by the victims' families and humanity at large. It criticized the fact that the perpetrators and accomplices of this heinous act continue to evade justice.
Quoting External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, the statement highlighted the imperative for consistent responses to terrorism, extremism, and violence, without succumbing to political expediency. It regarded the minister's stance, articulated at the United Nations General Assembly, as the most fitting tribute to the victims of Air India Flight 182.
High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma honoured the victims of Air India Flight 182 Kanishka during the solemn remembrance on its 39th anniversary, an event documented by the High Commission in Ottawa with a series of photographs.
The commemorative event was attended by family members, friends of the victims, Canadian government officials including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Assistant Commissioner, Ireland's envoy, and over 150 members of the Indo-Canadian community, reflecting the shared grief and solidarity with the victims' families. India reaffirmed its commitment to combating terrorism globally and collaborating closely with all nations to address this pervasive threat.
In Toronto, the Indian Consulate General marked the solemn occasion with Consul General Siddhartha Nath laying a wreath at the Air India 182 memorial in Humber Park, Etobicoke. The Consulate General also participated in the memorial service at Queen's Park, Toronto, and met with bereaved families.
These memorial services were conducted amid strained relations between Canada and India following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's unfounded allegations in September last year regarding the possible involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar's killing, allegations vehemently rejected by New Delhi.
India has consistently raised concerns about Canada providing a safe haven for pro-Khalistan elements operating with impunity from its soil, highlighting this as the principal issue in bilateral relations between the two countries.
