Trudeau Refuses to Condemn Khalistan Terrorism on Kanishka Bombing Anniversary

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has shied away from directly condemning or even referring to pro-Khalistan terrorism in his statement on the 39th anniversary of the bombing of Air India flight 'Kanishka'.

Remembering the victims of the Air Indian bombing, the Canadian Prime Minister said that Ottawa was doing its part in countering terrorism and violence extremism.

The attack reminded one of "senseless violence" perpetuated by terrorism and the "shared responsibility to unequally condemn terrorism", Trudeau claimed.

He listed out a series of counter-terror policy measures announced by his government in the recent past, including updating of the federal 'Counter-Terrorism Strategy' and a community support initiative.

"Through the Community Resilience Fund, we’re providing funding to organizations that help improve our understanding of violent extremism and our capacity to prevent these acts of violence. And earlier this week, we announced the listing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity under Canada’s Criminal Code," the Prime Minister noted.

Meanwhile, Trudeau's speech did not mention the Khalistani separatist group responsible for the deadliest bombing attack in the country's history.

Canada Allowing Glorification of Terrorism, India Says

India's top diplomat in Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, led a memorial in Ottawa to mark the 39th bombing anniversary of 'Kanishka'. Families of victims, Canadian officials and members of the Indian diaspora attended the ceremony.

"No government in the world should overlook the threat of terrorism emanating from its territories for political gains. Human lives are much more important than the transitory political interests. All terrorist activities should be met with exemplary legal and social actions, before they start harming the larger humanity," Verma stated.

The Indian Consulates also convened gatherings in Vancouver and Toronto to pay their homage to the victims of 'Kanishka' bombing.

Meanwhile, a press statement from the Indian High Commission noted that "Canada-based Khalistani terrorists" were directly responsible for the deadly incident.

It said that "perpetrators and co-conspirators of the dastardly act" continue to remain free.

The Indian mission said that terrorism had "assumed proportions of an existential threat to international peace and security", adding that a collective response from the international community was needed to combat the menace.

"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," the High Commission emphasised.

The Air India flight 182, operating on the Montreal-London-New Delhi route, was bombed mid-air by pro-Khalistan terrorists on 23 June,1985, killing all 329 passengers aboard.

In the meantime, on Sunday, S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India, also paid a tribute to the victims of the bombing incident.

"The anniversary is a reminder why terrorism should never be tolerated," he said in a social media post.

Canada-India Row

India Strongly Protests to Canada After Mock Modi Trial

21 June, 18:59