Thursday marks 37 years since Air India Flight 182 was bombed by terrorists, killing 329 passengers and crew.
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The flags at the BC legislature will fly at half mast Thursday to remember the victims of the Air India bombing that happened on this day 37 years ago.
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Premier John Horgan issued a statement Thursday morning on the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism, saying the act of terrorism that brought down Air India Flight 182 on June 23, 1985, killing 329 passengers and crew “still shocks us” to this day .
“Countless friends and family members of the victims also had their lives forever changed by this cruel act of terrorism. This callous crime must never be forgotten. We hold dear the memories of the victims, including the many children, who will be remembered in ceremonies to mark this sombre anniversary,” said Horgan.
A BC Supreme Court judge and a public inquiry determined the bombings were carried out by the BC Babbar Khalsa, headed by former Burnaby mill worker Talwinder Singh Parmar. Parmar was killed by Indian police before he could be charged in Canada.
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Three of his associates, Ripudaman Singh Malik, Ajaib Singh Bagri and Inderjit Singh Reyat were charged in the bombing plot. Malik and Bagri were acquitted and Reyat was convicted of manslaughter.
“The flags at the BC legislature will fly at half mast today in mourning and in recognition of the victims of Flight 182 and all victims of terrorism,” said Horgan.
“Terrorists seek to instill fear, to divide us and to make us question our democratic institutions. We must reject their despicable acts. We must also work hard to protect and care for those who are targeted by such acts. We can all take a stand against hatred by defending our shared values of equality, diversity and respect.”
—with files from Kim Bolan