Canadian Sikhs seek reprobe into AI bombing

Varinder Singh

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, June 24

The Sikhs of Canada have urged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to constitute a new Commission of Inquiry with an absolute mandate to investigate the Air India (AI) flight 182 bombing that took place on June 23, 1985, in which 329 passengers lost their lives.

The Sikh community of the Greater Toronto Area cities — Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Orangeville, Oakville, Hamilton, Burlington and Brentford — held a candlelight vigil for the victims of the ill-fated flight at the memorial monument at Humber Bay Park West. Candles were lit and prayers were also held for the victims in various gurdwaras across Canada.

Meanwhile, the United Front of Sikhs, Canada, sent a letter to the PM seeking a “fresh and full investigation” into the tragedy and to uncover the forces behind it.

“We are saddened that the political culture has become such that it is easier just to wait and apologise after 100 years (just like in case of the Kamagata Maru tragedy) for a mistake or ignorance of politicians of that time. Canadians deserve your prompt attention to this matter,” read the letter sent by United Front of Sikhs (Canada) coordinator Sukhminder Singh Hansra.

The front said the wounds (caused by the Air India tragedy) will never fully heal until it was known who planned, funded and executed the horrific attack. “The Royal Canadian Mounted Police still have an ongoing investigation into the Air India bombing, which indicates there is more to the story than we know. We feel a new Commission of Inquiry with an absolute mandate will bring much needed clarity.”

“We stand in solidarity with all 329 victims, their families, relatives and friends, who were affected by this tragedy. We are interested in finding who planned, funded and carried out this heinous crime,” said Hansra, also a senior member of Shiromani Akali Dal Canada East.