The Consulate General of India in Vancouver has emphasized India’s commitment to countering terrorism and collaborating with other nations to address this global threat. In response to the first death anniversary of designated Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, the consulate expressed solidarity against terrorism. Canadian police have arrested four Indian nationals in connection with the murder.
In remembrance of the victims of the Air India flight 182 (Kanishka) bombing, the consulate announced a memorial service at the Air India Memorial at Stanley Park in Vancouver on June 23. The bombing, which occurred on June 23, 1985, resulted in the deaths of 329 innocent victims, including 86 children, making it one of the worst terror-related air disasters in civil aviation history.
The Montreal-New Delhi Air India ‘Kanishka’ Flight 182 exploded before landing at London’s Heathrow Airport, killing all 329 people on board, most of whom were Canadians of Indian descent. The bombing was attributed to Sikh militants in response to ‘Operation Bluestar’.
The memorial service organized by India comes at a time when there is tension in India-Canada relations due to differences over Khalistan terrorists. Last year, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed the “potential” involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar’s killing, an allegation that India has dismissed as baseless. India has raised concerns about Canada providing refuge to pro-Khalistan elements that operate freely within Canadian borders.
