40th anniversary of the tragedy: Hundreds in Canada pay homage to the victims of Kanishka flight bombing

Hindustan Times

5 days ago

Toronto: Hundreds gathered on Monday at memorials across Canada dedicated to the victims of the bombing of Air India flight 182, the Kanishka, by Khalistani extremists, as Prime Minister Mark Carney said that their 'new government unequivocally stands against terrorism.' The gathering at the Toronto memorial on Monday to pay homage to the victims of Air India flight 182, the Kanishka. (Supplied photo)
Mourners joined family members of the 329 victims of the terrorist bombing of the Kanishka on the 40th anniversary of the tragedy. They gathered at the memorials in Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver on what is marked as the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism in Canada.
In a message released by the Prime Minister's Office, Carney said, 'Canada will continue to work with our allies and partners, at home and around the world, to better detect, prevent, and respond to the threat of terrorism and violent extremism.'
Describing the Khalistani terror attack as 'the deadliest attack in our country's history – one we must never forget', he added, 'Canada's new government unequivocally stands against terrorism, and we will deliver on our mandate of change to keep communities safe.' The gathering at the Vancouver memorial on Monday to pay homage to the victims of Air India flight 182, the Kanishka. (Supplied photo)
In Ottawa, India's Acting High Commissioner Chinmoy Naik told the gathering the tragedy was a reminder of the 'continuing threat posed by terrorism and violent extremism', and cited the 'barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam' on April 22, in this context and called for 'the need for zero tolerance against terrorism'.
Among those present at the Ottawa memorial were MPs from the ruling party, as well as the director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Daniel Rogers and Royal Canadian Mounted Police Commissioner Mike Duheme.
A day earlier on Sunday, three Conservative Party MPs attended a vigil for the victims at the Toronto memorial. The opposition party's deputy leader Melissa Lanstman said, 'Until there is justice, until there is no more denial of justice from Canadian, until there is an eradication of terror, not only beyond our borders but right here in Canada, justice could never be served.'
She said there was 'no question' there was an 'uptick' in Canada of 'unchecked terror', which targeted Hindu temples and synagogues. She blasted 'elements of Khalistani terror who terrorise communities and people in their neighbourhoods in this country'.
On Monday, MPs and local representatives were among those who attended the memorial service in Toronto. Secretary of State for Labour John Zerucelli read out a message from the PM and acknowledged justice had not been done to the victims and their families and that needed to change.
The Canadian National Council of Hindus has started a petition calling upon the Federal government to establish permanent national memorial for them.
A Liberal Party MP and four MLAs joined the service at the Stanley Park memorial in Vancouver as did representatives from the historic Ross Street gurdwara, among others.