'Fight against violent extremism': Canadian PM Mark Carney on Air India Kanishka bombing; pays tributes

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday called the 1985 Air India Flight 182 Kanishka bombing the "deadliest attack" in Canada's history.In a message posted on X, he said the Canadian government "unequivocally stands against terrorism."

Carney said, "40 years ago, Canada faced the deadliest terrorist attack in its history. Today, we mourn the 268 Canadian victims of the Air India bombing and all who have been killed in acts of terrorism -- a sombre reminder of our commitment to fight violent extremism and keep Canadians safe."On June 23, 1985, Air India Flight 182 was blown up mid-air near Cork, Ireland, killing all 329 people on board. The bombing was carried out by Babbar Khalsa, a Canada-based Khalistani terrorist group.

Most of the victims were Canadian citizens of Indian origin.In his official statement marking the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism, Carney said, "As we mark the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism, we remember the victims of the Air India bombing and all others who have lost their lives to terrorism. Canada will continue to work with our allies and partners, at home and around the world, to better detect, prevent, and respond to the threat of terrorism and violent extremism.

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He added, "Canada's new government unequivocally stands against terrorism, and we will deliver on our mandate of change to keep communities safe."Opposition leader and Conservative Party head Pierre Poilievre also remembered the victims. He posted on X, "Today we remember the 329 innocent lives lost in the Air India Flight 182 bombing--most of them Canadians. It remains the worst mass murder in our history. On the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism, we remember these souls and resolve to fight terrorism at home and abroad, in all its forms.

Canada's Conservatives will always be committed to defeating terrorism, protecting the innocent and upholding freedom.

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A memorial event was held on Monday at the Ahakista Memorial in Ireland, where Canadian Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree joined Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin. The three leaders laid a wreath in honour of the victims.During the ceremony, Hardeep Singh Puri emphasised the need for stronger cooperation between India and Canada to fight terrorism. PTI quoted Puri, "India stands ready to do more. Our security agencies, intelligence apparatus, and diplomatic channels are fully committed to partnering with the world to ensure that such tragedies are never repeated."Mayor of County Cork, Councillor Joe Carroll, also laid a wreath. Many people, including schoolchildren, attended the event and paid tribute with music and flowers, remembering the lives lost in the tragic bombing.