New Delhi: In response to the Canadian Parliament honoring slain Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the Indian Consulate in Vancouver reminded the world of the 1985 bombing of Air India flight 182, in which 329 people, including 86 children, were killed.
"India stands at the forefront of countering the menace of terrorism and works closely with all nations to tackle this global threat," the Consulate General posted on X on June 19.
Speaking of the bombing, carried out by Canadian Khalistan terrorists, the Consulate said: "23 June 2024 marks the 39th anniversary of the cowardly terrorist bombing of Air India flight 182 (Kanishka), in which 329 innocent victims, including 86 children, lost their lives in one of the most heinous terror-related air disasters in the history of civil aviation."
The consulate added it will hold a Memorial Service at 1830 hrs on June 23 at the Air India Memorial at Stanley Park's Ceperley Playground area and urged members of the Indian diaspora to join the event in a show of solidarity against terrorism.
On June 18, the Canadian Parliament marked the first anniversary of the death of Nijjar -- a 'designated terrorist' under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in India -- by holding a moment of silence in the House of Commons. The development comes days after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that there is an "alignment on several big issues” with India and he sees an "opportunity” to engage with the new Indian government...”.
Canada has alleged that Indian officials were involved in the killing but has failed to provide evidence of this. This has strained ties between Ottawa and New Delhi. India has been maintaining that the main issue between the two countries is that of Canada giving space to pro-Khalistan elements operating from Canadian soil with impunity.
