EAM Jaishankar condemns terrorism on 39th anniversary of Kanishka bombing
- In Reports
- 12:28 PM, Jun 24, 2024
- Myind Staff
On the 39th anniversary of the tragic bombing of Air India Flight 182, also known as the 'Kanishka' incident, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar honoured the 329 victims and strongly condemned terrorism, emphasising that it "should never be tolerated."
Jaishankar took to X to express his condolences and commemorate the 39th anniversary of one of the deadliest acts of terrorism in history. He paid homage to the 329 victims of Air India Flight 182, known as 'Kanishka', who tragically lost their lives on this day in 1985. The minister expressed solidarity with the families affected by the bombing, emphasising that the anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the imperative to never condone terrorism.
The Kanishka bombing, which took place on June 23, 1985, stands as a tragic act of aviation terrorism that resulted in the deaths of 268 Canadian citizens, primarily of Indian descent, alongside 24 Indian nationals and 27 British citizens.
The aircraft involved, a Boeing 747-237B, was flying from Montreal to London when an explosive device concealed in a suitcase detonated, causing the plane to disintegrate over the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Ireland.
Describing the incident, Indian-origin Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya labelled it a "cowardly act of terror perpetrated by Khalistani terrorists based in Canada."
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) acknowledged separately that the investigation into the Kanishka bombing remains "the longest and one of the most complex domestic terrorism investigations" in the force's history. They noted that investigative efforts are still "active and ongoing" even after 39 years.
Jaishankar's tribute comes at a time of strained relations between India and Canada, particularly following the Canadian Parliament's observance of a "moment of silence" for Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader designated as a terrorist by India.
The Indian government has levelled accusations against Canada, alleging that it provides a safe haven for individuals who promote violence and extremism. Concurrently, the Indian Consulate General in Vancouver has scheduled a memorial service to honour the victims of the Kanishka bombing.
Image source: Reuters
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