Trudeau: AI attack reminder of shared duty to condemn terror

NEW DELHI: Paying homage to the victims of the Air India Kanishka bombing, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said it remains the deadliest terrorist attack in Canadian history, and a reminder of the shared responsibility to unequivocally condemn terrorism. The two sides paid their respects to the 329 victims, 280 of them Canadians, amid growing strife in bilateral ties caused, as India has repeatedly said, by the political space given by Canadian authorities to Khalistan extremists who advocate violence against India.
Earlier on Sunday, the Indian high commission in Ottawa said in a press release, while remembering the victims, that the bombing was a cowardly act of terror, carried out by Canada-based Khalistani terrorists.
Stating that perpetrators and co-conspirators of the dastardly act remained free, the Indian mission said any act of glorifying terrorism including the bombing of AI-182, in 1985, is deplorable and should be condemned by all peace-loving countries and people. "It is unfortunate that such actions are allowed to be routine on many occasions in Canada,'' said the statement. Foreign minister S Jaishankar had said on Sunday in a post on social media that the anniversary is a reminder why terrorism should never be tolerated. Canada has observed the anniversary of the June 23, 1985, terrorist attack since 2005 as National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism. "Today, we remember and honour every Canadian whose life was cut short or forever changed by a terrorist attack,'' said Trudeau in his message.
"Thirty-nine years ago today, 329 innocent people, including 280 Canadians, tragically lost their lives when a bomb, planted on Air India Flight 182 in Canada, exploded mid-flight. This remains the deadliest terrorist attack in Canadian history. It reminds us of the senseless violence that terrorism perpetuates and of our shared responsibility to unequivocally condemn terrorism,'' he added. Trudeau further said Canada is doing its part to counter terrorism and violent extremism and has updated its counter-terrorism strategy. While he made no special mention of Khalistan extremism, the Canadian PM cited the example of how his govt has listed Iran's IRGC under Canada's Criminal Code. "On this day - and every day - we stand united against hate, intolerance, and division. We reaffirm Canada's determination to fight against violent extremism and keep our people safe,'' Trudeau said.