Trudeau calls 1985 AI bombing an act of ‘malice’

TORONTO:The 35th anniversary of the bombing by Khalistani terrorists of Air India flight 182 was marked by family members of the victims with a virtual vigil since gatherings at memorial sites in Canada are barred due to Covid19-related restrictions.

The plane named Emperor Kanishka exploded mid-air on June 23, 1985, killing 329 passengers. The terrorist incident is the worst episode of aviation-related terrorism till 9/11.

Among those who commemorated the day was Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. In a message, he said, “Thirty-five years ago today, an explosion on Air India Flight 182, bound for the United Kingdom from Canada, killed the 329 innocent people on board, including 280 Canadians. The attack was an act of unspeakable malice and remains the deadliest terrorist attack in Canadian history. It was a shock to our country, and a threat to our collective sense of security.”

June 23 is recognised as the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism in

Canada. Trudeau’s message was among those posted on a special YouTube channel created by family members to honour their departed kin. Very few were able to visit any of the four memorials to the tragedy in Canada - in Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and Montreal. But many family members posted their memorial messages on the channel which became the venue for a virtual gathering for the mourners.

“It’s difficult for us as no large gathering are allowed,” Bal Gupta, chair of the Air India 182 Victims Families Association, said. “But we have to obey the rules,” he added. Many family members did visit the memorials, though none did so as part of a group because of the restrictions.

India’s High Commissioner to Ottawa Ajay Bisaria paid his respects at the memorial in Canada’s capital.

JUNE 23 IS RECOGNISED AS THE NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR VICTIMS OF TERRORISM IN CANADA