On the 39th anniversary of the Air India Kanishka bombing, the Indian High Commission in Canada condemned the act of “glorifying terrorism” as “deplorable,” lamenting that such actions are often permitted in Canada. The Commission emphasized that the bombing of AI-182 in 1985, along with any act of terrorism, should be denounced by all nations that cherish peace.
The statement from the Indian High Commission declared, “Any act of glorifying terrorism, including the bombing of AI-182 in 1985, is deplorable and should be condemned by all peace-loving countries and people. It is unfortunate that such actions are allowed to be routine on many occasions in Canada.”
PRESS RELEASE – THE 39th ANNIVERSARY OF THE TRAGIC TERROR ATTACK ON AIR INDIA FLIGHT 182 KANISHKA@MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy @IndiainToronto @cgivancouver @DDNewslive @ANI @WIONews pic.twitter.com/2SDTsHJmmq
— India in Canada (@HCI_Ottawa) June 24, 2024
The tragic event occurred in 1985 when Air India Flight AI 182 Kanishka, flying from Montreal to London to Delhi, was destroyed mid-air over the Atlantic Ocean by a bomb. ” On June 23, 1985, Flight no. AI 182 Kanishka flying on Montreal (Canada) – London (UK) – Delhi (India) route, operated by Air India, then India’s national carrier, was exploded by a bomb mid-air over the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Ireland, as a result of a cowardly act of terror, carried out by Canada based Khalistani terrorists,” the statement cited. The bombing claimed the lives of 329 innocent people, including Canadian, Indian, and other international nationals, as well as children.
The statement further noted, ” This tragedy is the worst ever in Canadian aviation history to date and shall remain an unbearable loss for not only the families of the victims but also for humanity as a whole.” Yet, the perpetrators and their accomplices remain at large, said the Indian High Commission.
In recent years, the High Commission of India in Ottawa, along with the Consulates General of India in Toronto and Vancouver, have joined with the victims’ families and the Indian Diaspora to solemnly commemorate the victims of this heinous act of terror in Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver on June 23, 2024.
” While thirty-nine years have passed since the cowardly act, terrorism has unfortunately assumed proportions of an existential threat to international peace and security today,” the statement read.
Terrorism recognises no borders, nationality, or race, and presents a challenge that the international community must confront together, it further stated.
India has been at the forefront of counter-terrorism efforts over the years, supported by like-minded nations.
Remembering the terrorist attack, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made a post on X, “Today marks the 39th anniversary of one of the worst acts of terrorism in history. Pay my homage to the memory of the 329 victims of AI 182 ‘Kanishka’ who were killed this day in 1985. My thoughts are with their families. The anniversary is a reminder why terrorism should never be tolerated.”
Despite the rain, the Indian High Commission in Canada conducted the memorial service for the victims at the Air India Flight 182 Monument in Commissioner’s Park, Dow’s Lake, Ottawa.
Addressing those present, Sanjay Kumar Verma emphasized that no government should ignore the threat of terrorism from its soil for political advantage, asserting the paramount importance of human lives over fleeting political interests.
