Following his death, Canada accused India of playing a role in his killing.
The allegations triggered a massive diplomatic row between India and Canada, with New Delhi suspending visa services for Canadian nationals.
Hours after the Canadian Parliament’s move to honour a terrorist, the Indian Mission in Vancouver announced a memorial service to pay tribute to the victims of Air India flight 182 (Kanishka) bombing in 1985 by Khalistani terrorists.
“India stands at the forefront of countering the menace of terrorism and works closely with all nations to tackle this global threat. 23 June 2024 marks the 39th Anniversary of the cowardly terrorist bombing of Air India flight 182 (Kanishka), in which 329 innocent victims, including 86 children, lost their lives in one of the most heinous terror-related air disasters in the history of civil aviation,” the Consulate General said in a post on X.
“A Memorial Service is scheduled at 1830 hrs on June 23, 2024 at the Air India Memorial at Stanley Park’s Ceperley Playground area. @cgivancouver encourages members of the Indian Diaspora to join the event in a show of solidarity against terrorism. @HCI_Ottawa,” it added.