Legacy of Air India Flight 182 demands remembrance, also vigilance: Canadian PM
Ottawa, June 23
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday paid tribute to the victims of 1985 bombing of Air India Flight 182, emphasising on 'National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism' that the legacy of deadliest terrorist attack in country's history not only demands remembrance, but also vigilance.
"Forty-one years ago today, the bombing of Air India Flight 182 claimed 329 innocent lives, including 268 Canadians. It remains the deadliest terrorist attack in Canada's history," read a statement issued by Carney on Tuesday.
"On this National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism, we honour the victims of Flight 182 and all those who have lost their lives to acts of terrorism and violent extremism. We stand with the survivors, families, and communities who carry this loss," he added.
Air India Flight 182 was en route from Montreal to Mumbai via London and Delhi when it was destroyed mid-air over the Atlantic Ocean on June 23, 1985, after a bomb exploded in its cargo hold.
"The legacy of Air India Flight 182 demands remembrance, but also vigilance. Canada's government is confronting and condemning violent extremism in all its forms, with new legislation to defend the safety and security of Canadians, strengthen our national security institutions, and disrupt terrorist financing and support networks. We are supporting frontline community-based intervention programs and providing our security agencies with stronger tools to better detect, prevent, and disrupt terrorist activity," the Canadian Prime Minister said.
"The first job of the government is to protect Canadians, and that will always be our mission and our focus," he highlighted.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar also paid homage to the victims of the deadly bombing and reaffirmed India's commitment to combatting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
"Today, on the 41st anniversary of Air India 182 'Kanishka' bombing, we honour the memory of those who lost their precious lives in this horrific terror incident. Reaffirm our commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," EAM Jaishankar, currently on a two-day visit to Mongolia, posted on X.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As a Canadian of Indian heritage, I'm glad PM Carney is keeping this memory alive. The tragedy united our two countries in grief, and we must ensure such extremism never repeats. But we also need more cross-border cooperation with India on terror intelligence.
'Remembrance without action is hollow.' Jaishankar ji rightly reaffirmed India's commitment, but what about those who provided safe harbour to the perpetrators for decades? The legacy of Kanishka should push both nations to dismantle terror networks completely. 🔍
I was a kid when this happened, and my uncle was supposed to be on that flight but missed it by minutes. The trauma still haunts our family. Good to see Canada finally taking some responsibility, but why did it take 41 years for such vigour? 🤷
Respectful view: While I appreciate the PM's words, Canada must also look at its own soil where extremists operate freely. The 'Kanishka' bombing should serve as a reminder that terrorism knows no borders, and no country can be complacent. Action speaks louder than press releases.
"First job is to protect Canadians" – absolutely right. But let's not forget that 329 families lost loved ones, and many of them were Indian citizens too. Solidarity between India and Canada on this front is crucial. 🇮🇳🇨🇦
A We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.