Commemoration of a Tragic Event
Ottawa: In a significant acknowledgment, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has attributed the 1985 bombing of Air India Flight 182 to Khalistani extremists based in Canada, marking the first time in over four decades that such a statement has been made. On the 41st anniversary of this tragic event, CSIS referred to the bombing as a "heinous act of terror." In a Facebook update, they stated, “On this National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism, CSIS honors the 329 individuals who lost their lives on Air India Flight 182 due to this atrocious act. The aircraft was destroyed by a bomb planted by Khalistani extremists, resulting in the death of all passengers, the majority of whom were Canadians. This incident remains the most devastating terrorist attack in Canada’s history and has significantly influenced our national security framework.”
“At the time of the tragedy, CSIS was still in its infancy, and this event played a crucial role in shaping its development. Over the past forty years, our commitment to safeguarding Canadians from politically and ideologically motivated violence has only strengthened,” the agency added.
Prime Minister's Statement on the Kanishka Bombing
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney referred to the bombing of Air India Flight 182 as the “deadliest attack in our country’s history” during a statement made on Tuesday. He emphasized Canada’s stance against all forms of violent extremism. The Air India Flight 182, which was en route from Montreal to New Delhi, exploded just 45 minutes before its scheduled landing at London’s Heathrow Airport on June 23, 1985, resulting in the deaths of all 329 individuals aboard, predominantly Canadian citizens. The bombing was attributed to Sikh militants as a response to ‘Operation Bluestar,’ an Indian Army operation aimed at removing militants from the Golden Temple in 1984. “Forty-one years ago today, the bombing of Air India Flight 182 took the lives of 329 innocent people, including 268 Canadians. It remains the deadliest terrorist attack in Canada’s history,” the Prime Minister remarked. “On this National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism, we pay tribute to the victims of Flight 182 and all those who have suffered due to acts of terrorism and violent extremism. We stand in solidarity with the survivors, families, and communities affected by this loss,” he added. The National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism was first established on June 23, 2005, coinciding with the anniversary of the Kanishka tragedy. This recent development indicates a shift in the Canadian government's approach towards Khalistani extremists. Relations between India and Canada have shown signs of improvement in recent months since Mark Carney took office as Prime Minister. Both nations have begun implementing measures to mend ties that had significantly deteriorated in 2023 following allegations made by the previous Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, regarding India’s involvement in the assassination of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. India has firmly denied these allegations. Furthermore, India has consistently expressed concerns regarding the activities of Khalistani extremists operating from Canada, accusing them of promoting anti-India sentiments and engaging in actions harmful to New Delhi's interests.