On June 23, 1985, the skies over the Atlantic Ocean witnessed one of the most tragic and devastating terrorist attacks in aviation history. Air India Flight 182, known as the Kanishka, was brought down by a bomb, claiming 329 lives, including 86 children. This heinous act, perpetrated by Khalistani terrorists, remains the deadliest terrorist attack in Canadian history and a somber reminder of the devastating impact of extremism.
A Day of Mourning and Reflection
The 39th anniversary of the Kanishka bombing was marked by solemn ceremonies in Canada, where memorials were held in cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Montreal. India’s High Commissioner to Ottawa, Sanjay Kumar Verma, joined family members of the victims at these memorials, emphasizing the enduring pain and call for justice that remains unfulfilled for many.
“No government in the world should overlook the threat of terrorism emanating from its territories for political gains. Human lives are much more important than the transitory political interests,” Verma stated. His words underscored the persistent demand for accountability and the global imperative to prioritize human lives over political maneuvers.
The Shadow of Extremism
This year’s commemorations were marred by the presence of pro-Khalistan elements, who staged rallies at the memorial sites. The group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) organized these demonstrations, which were met with resistance from the Indo-Canadian community. Chants of “Death to Khalistan” echoed the strong emotions and unresolved tensions that continue to surround this tragic event.
The resurgence of Khalistani rhetoric in Canada, reminiscent of the 1980s, has been a growing concern. This movement gained renewed attention following the killing of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s statement in the House of Commons about “credible allegations” linking Indian agents to Nijjar’s death has further inflamed the situation, complicating the narrative and fueling conspiracy theories.
Calls for Justice and Accountability
Family members of the victims, along with members of the Indo-Canadian community, have expressed frustration and anger over the ongoing misinformation and the glorification of terrorists by certain groups. Deepak Khandelwal, who lost his sisters in the bombing, highlighted the painful resurgence of extremist activities and the potential threat they pose to innocent lives.
“The same types of actions we saw pre the 1985 bombing seem to be appearing again, and we can’t let another terrorist event like this happen again and kill more innocent people,” Khandelwal said. His words resonate with a broader call to prevent history from repeating itself.
The Role of Canadian Authorities
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has reiterated its commitment to the ongoing investigation into the Air India bombing. Assistant Commissioner David Teboul described it as “the longest and certainly one of the most complex domestic terrorism investigations” in Canadian history. Despite decades having passed, the investigation remains active, and there is hope that new information might come to light.
Former RCMP officer Gary Bass emphasized the possibility of progress, suggesting that over time, individuals who were previously intimidated might feel safe enough to come forward with crucial information. This ongoing pursuit of justice underscores the long-term impact of the tragedy and the enduring need for closure for the victims’ families.
The Path Forward
As Canada continues to grapple with the legacy of the Air India Flight 182 bombing, it faces the challenge of addressing the resurgence of extremism within its borders. The calls for a thorough investigation and accountability are louder than ever. The families of the victims, along with concerned citizens, demand that the government take a firm stance against terrorism and ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.
Professor Chandrima Chakraborty from McMaster University, who is curating a public archive of the tragedy, pointed out Canada’s failure to fully embrace the tragedy as a Canadian loss. This, she argues, has contributed to the negligence and mistreatment of the families, as well as the rise of Khalistani rhetoric.
“It is unfortunate that Canada has not learnt its lessons from the Air India bombing. The negligence and mistreatment of the families continues in the government’s inability and unwillingness to address the rise of Khalistani rhetoric,” Chakraborty said.
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