Kanishka bombing worst terror attack in Canadian history: Trudeau
PM Trudeau says Canadians will never forget the act of terror that took 329 lives in 1985
OTTAWA: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has described the 1985 Air India bombing as the “single worst terrorist attack” in the country’s history.
On June 23, 1985, Air India flight 182 “Kanishka” took off from Toronto, bound for London. A bomb planted on the plane exploded off the coast of Ireland, killing all 329 people on board.
According to an Air India inquiry, two bomb-carrying suitcases were loaded by pro-Khalistani militants at Vancouver airport, to be transferred to Air India flights in Toronto and Tokyo.
“On this day in 1985, Canadians awoke to news that defied belief, and left our country in a state of shock,” he said.
OTTAWA: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has described the 1985 Air India bombing as the “single worst terrorist attack” in the country’s history.
On June 23, 1985, Air India flight 182 “Kanishka” took off from Toronto, bound for London. A bomb planted on the plane exploded off the coast of Ireland, killing all 329 people on board.
According to an Air India inquiry, two bomb-carrying suitcases were loaded by pro-Khalistani militants at Vancouver airport, to be transferred to Air India flights in Toronto and Tokyo.
“On this day in 1985, Canadians awoke to news that defied belief, and left our country in a state of shock and suffering,” Trudeau said on Saturday at the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism in Canada.
“The Air India bombing remains the single worst terrorist attack in Canada’s history.
This horrific act of malice and destruction left families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones, and brought pain that will never completely go away,” he said.
“Terrorists believe, through cowardly and violent acts, that they can make us question not only our safety, but the democratic institutions that keep us safe. They are wrong. Canadians are for facts and diversity, not fear and division. Our society thrives on inclusivity, and these acts only strengthen our resolve for unity,” Trudeau said.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I extend my condolences to everyone everywhere who has lost loved ones to terrorism. We also thank and honour those who work each day to keep our citizens, communities, and country safe,” he said.
Defence minister Harjit Sajjan said: “The investigation will not be completed until those have been brought to justice.”
In British Columbia, Premier John Horgan paid tributes to the Kanishka victims as flags at the Parliament Buildings in Victoria flew at half-mast.
“Canadians will never forget this act of terror that took the lives of 329 people, including 280 Canadians. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the victims,” Horgan said.
“Perpetrators of terrorism seek to shatter our sense of safety and peace. Their violent acts try to turn communities against one another. They seek to divide us against ourselves. We must never allow anger, fear and hatred to take root in our hearts. We will not let these senseless acts of terror change who we are,” he added.