Chandra Arya, a Canadian MP of Indian origin, mentioned the 1985 Air India bombing, which killed 329 people, and warned that the ideology behind the attack persists among some in Canada. He called on everyone to join memorial services on June 23, marking the 39th anniversary of the 1985 Kanishka flight bombing by Khalistani separatists.
MP Arya commented after the Canadian Parliament observed the first death anniversary of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist, with a moment of silence in the House of Commons.
In his speech, Arya mentioned, “Recent celebration of the assassination of Hindu Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by Khalistan supporters, glorifying violence and hate, shows that the dark forces have been energized again and point to dreadful times ahead. Hindu-Canadians are rightfully concerned. I stand in solidarity with the families of the victims of Air India bombing.” The MP expressed his concern about Khalistani supporters celebrating the killing of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
While discussing the incident he said, “June 23 is the National Day for remembrance of victims of terrorism. 39 years back on this day, Air India flight 182 was blown up mid-day by a bomb planted by a Canadian Khalistani Terrorist. It killed 329 passengers and crew members and is the largest mass killing in Canadian history.”
He stated in Parliament that the recent remembrance of the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by Khalistani supporters, celebrating violence and hatred, indicate a resurgence of troubling forces and suggest challenging times ahead. He expressed solidarity with the families affected by the Air India bombing.
On June 23, 1985, Air India’s ‘Kanishka’ Flight 182 exploded and crashed 45 minutes before it was due to land at London’s Heathrow Airport. The event led to loss of all 329 lives aboard, predominantly Canadians of Indian descent. The incident was accused on Sikh militants retailiation to for ‘Operation Bluestar’.