The Canadian police have stated that investigations into the bombing of Air India Flight 182 remain “active and ongoing,” describing it as the “longest” and one of the “most complex domestic terrorism” probes, ahead of the 39th-anniversary memorial of the deadly incident. The Montreal-New Delhi Air India ‘Kanishka’ Flight 182 exploded 45 minutes before its scheduled landing at London’s Heathrow Airport on June 23, 1985, claiming the lives of all 329 passengers and crew members, a majority of whom were Canadians of Indian descent. The bombing was attributed to Sikh militants in retaliation for ‘Operation Bluestar,’ a military operation conducted in 1984 to flush out militants from the Golden Temple. In a statement issued on Friday, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Assistant Commissioner David Teboul acknowledged the bombing as the “greatest terror-related loss of life involving and affecting Canadians” in the nation’s history, offering “deepest sympathies, understanding and support to the families of the victims.” Teboul further highlighted the complexity and duration of the investigation, stating, “The Air India investigation is the longest and certainly one of the most complex domestic terrorism investigations that the RCMP has undertaken in our history.” He emphasized the ongoing nature of the investigative efforts, stating, “Our investigative efforts remain active and ongoing.” Acknowledging the enduring impact of the bombing, Teboul asserted that its consequences “have not diminished with time,” noting that the trauma caused by the event has affected generations. “We must never forget those innocent lives lost to this tragedy and other acts of terrorism,” he stressed. Recognizing the upcoming 39th anniversary memorial of the bombing, he also mentioned the approaching 40th memorial in 2025, a significant milestone. “At the memorials, previous and current employees from the investigation and our greater organization, past and present, will ensure we remember those lost and those left to deal with the unthinkable,” he said. Teboul expressed that attending these memorials has provided an opportunity to pay respects to the victims and their families, acknowledging the significant efforts of those involved in the response and investigation. He encouraged individuals to participate in these commemorations, whether in private settings or at the public memorials held in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa. India’s consulates in Vancouver and Toronto have planned memorial services to mark the anniversary of the bombing. A memorial is scheduled on June 23 at the Air India Memorial located at Stanley Park’s Ceperley Playground area in Vancouver. Another memorial service is scheduled at South Lawn, Queen’s Park, Toronto.
