In a recent address to the Canadian Parliament, MP Chandra Arya criticized renewed calls for a public inquiry into the 1985 Air India flight 182 bombing, emphasizing that prior investigations had already identified Khalistan extremists as responsible for the tragic attack.
Date: September 27, 2024
Location: New Delhi
Canadian MP Chandra Arya has spoken out against demands for a new inquiry into the bombing of Air India flight 182, which claimed 329 lives, including 268 Canadians and 24 Indians. In his address, Arya highlighted that two public inquiries had already determined Khalistan extremists were responsible for the attack, which took place on June 23, 1985.
“Thirty-nine years ago, Air India Flight 182 was blown up mid-air by a bomb planted by Canadian Khalistan extremists,” Arya stated. He expressed concern that the ideology behind this act of terrorism continues to resonate among certain groups in Canada today.
He criticized the ongoing petition on the Parliament portal that seeks a fresh inquiry, asserting that it promotes conspiracy theories linked to Khalistani extremists. “Now, there is a petition asking for a new enquiry promoting conspiracy theories,” Arya remarked, reiterating the findings of previous inquiries.
The MP also shared the perspective of Bal Gupta, a Canadian resident whose wife was among those killed in the bombing. Gupta expressed his frustration, stating, “It opens up old wounds all over again. It’s all garbage. It’s an attempt to gain publicity and support for terrorist activities.”
Earlier this year, on the 39th anniversary of the bombing, a tribute to the victims in Toronto was reportedly disrupted by Khalistani sympathizers, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding this historical tragedy.
As the debate continues, Arya’s comments reflect a broader concern over the influence of extremist ideologies and the need for a careful approach to historical narratives related to the Air India bombing.
