Canadian MP Criticizes Petition for New Inquiry into 1985 Air India Bombing

A Canadian MP of Indian origin has criticized a petition proposing a new inquiry into the 1985 Air India Flight 182 bombing. The MP alleges the petition promotes conspiracy theories propagated by Khalistani extremists. The original tragedy, blamed on Sikh extremists, claimed 329 lives, primarily Canadian citizens of Indian heritage.

A Canadian MP of Indian origin has spoken out against a petition that calls for a new investigation into the 1985 Air India Flight 182 bombing, suggesting it fuels 'conspiracy theories' tied to Khalistani extremists.

The Air India ‘Kanishka’ Flight 182 exploded before landing at London’s Heathrow Airport on June 23, 1985, causing 329 deaths, mostly of Canadians with Indian heritage. The bombing was attributed to Sikh extremists retaliating for ‘Operation Bluestar’ at the Golden Temple in 1984.

In Parliament, Chandra Arya, MP from Nepean, emphasized that two Canadian public inquiries already found Khalistani extremists liable for the bombing. Arya described it as Canada’s 'largest mass killing' and criticized the petition for revoking old pains, quoting Bal Gupta, a victim’s husband who called it 'garbage' and an attempt to garner support for terrorist activities.

Last year, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau insinuated potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, sparking tensions that New Delhi slammed as 'absurd.' India argues Canada tolerates pro-Khalistan elements, affecting bilateral relations negatively.

(With inputs from agencies.)