Did Delhi CM Pay Tribute to Kanishka Bombing Victims?
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Synopsis
On June 23, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta commemorated the 40th anniversary of the tragic Air India 'Kanishka' bombing, urging global unity against terrorism. This article explores the impact of the tragedy and the ongoing fight against extremism, emphasizing the importance of zero tolerance for terror.
Key Takeaways
- Delhi CM Rekha Gupta emphasizes India's zero tolerance for terrorism.
- The 40th anniversary of the Kanishka bombing serves as a reminder of the impact of terrorism.
- Global unity against violent extremism is crucial.
- Investigations revealed a transnational conspiracy behind the attack.
- High-level commemorations took place in Ireland.
New Delhi, June 23 (NationPress) Emphasizing India's unwavering stance against terrorism, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta urged global collaboration to combat violent extremism while honoring the 329 individuals who perished in the 1985 Air India 'Kanishka' bombing.
Commemorating the 40th anniversary of this devastating act of aviation terrorism, CM Gupta expressed on X, "I pay my respects to the 329 innocent souls who were lost in this despicable terrorist act."
"This tragedy serves as a constant reminder of the brutality of terrorism and the urgent need for global unity against it. India’s approach is unmistakable: there is zero tolerance for terrorism. Our commitment to combatting extremism is resolute, and national security is paramount," she stated, adding that "New India is making significant strides at all levels to eradicate terrorism."
Previously, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also honored the victims, underscoring the necessity for worldwide zero tolerance for terrorism, describing the event as a sobering reminder of the repercussions of allowing such ideologies to thrive.
"On the 40th anniversary of Air India 182 'Kanishka' bombing, we remember the 329 lives lost in one of the most atrocious acts of terrorism. This is a clear reminder of why the world must adopt zero tolerance towards terrorism and violent extremism," Jaishankar articulated on X.
Air India Flight 182 was traveling from Montreal to Mumbai with stops in London and Delhi when it was destroyed mid-air over the Atlantic Ocean on June 23, 1985, due to a bomb detonating in its cargo hold.
The Boeing 747, named after Emperor Kanishka of the Kushan dynasty, had just paused at Montreal's Mirabel airport to take on more passengers.
The flight continued towards London Heathrow before disappearing from radar shortly after contacting Shannon Air Traffic Control in Ireland.
The explosion, occurring off the Irish coast, resulted in the deaths of all 329 individuals aboard, including 22 crew members. Investigators traced the bomb to luggage from Vancouver, indicating a transnational terror plot.
The attack was primarily blamed on the Khalistani extremist group Babbar Khalsa. Inderjit Singh Reyat, a British-Canadian, confessed in 2003 to his involvement in assembling the explosive device.
Another major conspirator, Talwinder Singh Parmar, a founding member of Babbar Khalsa, was believed to be the mastermind behind the bombing.
To observe this solemn anniversary, a high-level Indian delegation led by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri is in Ireland for a memorial service at the Ahakista Memorial in Cork.
The delegation also includes BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh and elected officials from five Indian states: Arvinder Singh Lovely (Delhi MLA), Baldev Singh Aulakh (Uttar Pradesh Minister), Gurveer Singh Brar (Rajasthan MLA), Trilok Singh Cheema (Uttarakhand MLA), and Narinder Singh Raina (Jammu & Kashmir MLA).
Point of View
It is vital to recognize that the fight against terrorism is not just a national issue but a global imperative. The memories of those lost in the Kanishka tragedy remind us of our shared responsibility to work towards a world free from violence and terror. We must stand united in our efforts to eradicate extremism in all its forms.
NationPress
23/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Air India 'Kanishka' bombing?
The Air India 'Kanishka' bombing was a terrorist attack that occurred on June 23, 1985, when Flight 182 was destroyed mid-air due to a bomb explosion, resulting in the death of all 329 individuals on board.
Who were the main conspirators behind the bombing?
The attack was largely attributed to the Khalistani extremist group Babbar Khalsa, with key conspirators including Inderjit Singh Reyat and Talwinder Singh Parmar.
What is India's stance on terrorism?
India maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and is committed to rooting out extremism through decisive measures at all levels.
Why is this anniversary significant?
The 40th anniversary serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of terrorism and emphasizes the need for global unity against violent extremism.
What actions are being taken to commemorate the victims?
A high-level Indian delegation is participating in a memorial service in Ireland to honor the 329 victims of the Kanishka bombing.
