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Remembering the Victims
On Sunday, the Indian embassies in Ottawa and Toronto observed the 39th anniversary of the Kanishka bombing, a solemn occasion marking the loss of 329 lives. Among the victims were 86 children, making it one of the most devastating terrorist attacks in the history of civil aviation. The tragedy of Air India Flight 182, commonly referred to as the Kanishka bombing, continues to be a somber reminder of the horrors of terrorism.
Commemoration in Canada
High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma led the commemoration in Ottawa, paying tribute to the victims of the “cowardly terrorist bombing.” The High Commission in Ottawa shared images from the event on social media, reflecting on the significance of the day. Verma emphasized that no government should overlook the threat of terrorism for political gains, stressing that human lives hold far greater value than any temporary political interests. He urged for robust legal and social measures to counter terrorist activities, emphasizing the need for global cooperation to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt their finances, and combat their ideologies.
The event saw participation from family members and friends of the victims, Canadian government officials, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Assistant Commissioner, the Ireland envoy, and over 150 members of the Indo-Canadian community. The High Commission expressed India’s shared sorrow and pain with the victims’ families, reaffirming India’s commitment to countering terrorism in collaboration with nations worldwide.
Historical Context of the Kanishka Bombing
The Air India Flight 182, operating from Montreal to New Delhi, exploded mid-air 45 minutes before its scheduled landing at London’s Heathrow Airport on June 23, 1985. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of all 329 passengers, the majority of whom were Canadians of Indian descent, was attributed to Sikh separatists. The bombing was seen as retaliation for Operation Bluestar, a military operation conducted in 1984 to remove separatists from the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
Tribute in Toronto
In Toronto, the Indian mission also marked the anniversary with a memorial service. Consul General Siddhartha Nath laid a wreath at the Air India 182 memorial in Humber Park, Etobicoke, in solemn remembrance of the victims. He highlighted the importance of global unity in combating terrorism and standing against its glorification. Nath also attended another memorial service at Queen’s Park, Toronto, where he met with the bereaved families, reiterating the need for concerted efforts to fight terrorism.
Ongoing Investigations and Global Response
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar paid his respects earlier in the day, remembering the victims of the Kanishka bombing in a social media post. He described the anniversary as a poignant reminder of why terrorism should never be tolerated and expressed his thoughts for the families affected by the tragedy.
The Canadian police continue to investigate the bombing of Air India Flight 182, describing it as the longest and one of the most complex domestic terrorism investigations in Canadian history. RCMP Assistant Commissioner David Teboul referred to the bombing as the “greatest terror-related loss of life involving and affecting Canadians.” He offered his deepest sympathies and support to the victims’ families and affirmed that investigative efforts remain active and ongoing.
Global Efforts Against Terrorism
The commemoration of the Kanishka bombing serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by terrorism. It underscores the necessity for nations to remain vigilant and united in their efforts to combat terrorist activities. High Commissioner Verma’s remarks highlighted that addressing terrorism requires a multifaceted approach, involving not only stringent legal actions but also a concerted effort to counter the ideologies that fuel such violence.
As the world reflects on the tragedy of the Kanishka bombing, it is clear that the fight against terrorism is far from over. The global community must continue to work together to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated. The memory of the 329 victims of Air India Flight 182 stands as a powerful testament to the devastating impact of terrorism and the urgent need for international solidarity in addressing this global menace.
