Justice was Never Fully Served, Says VP Dhankhar as MPs Pay Homage to Kanishka Bombing Victims

In a solemn tribute to the victims of the Air India Flight 182 bombing, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar addressed the Parliament, marking the 39th anniversary of one of the darkest days in the fight against terrorism. On June 23, 1985, the Kanishka flight, en route from Montreal to India, was blown up mid-air by Sikh terrorists, killing all 329 passengers and crew members. This heinous act remains one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in aviation history, primarily affecting Canadian nationals of Indian origin.

The Parliament observed a moment of silence to honor the victims of this tragic event. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla underscored the gravity of the incident, emphasizing the necessity for the world to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism and violent extremism. "Such acts can never be condoned or justified," Birla asserted, echoing the sentiment that the fight against terrorism must be relentless and uncompromising.

Vice President Dhankhar's poignant words, "Regrettably, justice was never fully served," resonated deeply in the Upper House. His statement highlighted the lingering sense of injustice that persists decades after the tragedy. Despite numerous investigations and trials, the complete accountability for this horrific act of terror remains elusive, leaving a scar on the collective memory of those affected.

In addition to commemorating the Kanishka bombing victims, Members of Parliament also expressed their condolences for the recent Kuwait fire tragedy on June 12, 2024. This devastating incident claimed several lives and left many injured, prompting a heartfelt expression of sympathy from the assembly.

The session also paid homage to international leaders who had recently passed away, recognizing their contributions to global diplomacy and bilateral relations with India. Among those remembered were President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister H. Amir-Abdollahian of Iran, Former President Ali Hassan Mwinyi of Tanzania, and Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima of Malawi. The Parliament acknowledged their efforts in fostering strong ties with India and enhancing mutual cooperation.

The commemoration of the Kanishka bombing serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of terrorism and the ongoing struggle for justice and peace. As the world continues to grapple with threats of violent extremism, the memory of the 329 lives lost on that fateful day urges a renewed commitment to ensuring such tragedies never occur again.