Press Release

Defense Minister of Canada pays homage at Air India Memorial in Ottawa

1.  Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister for National Defence and Multiculturalismjoined scores of others,at the Air India Memorial in Ottawa, to pay homage to the victims of Air India flight 182 that was blown-up by Khalistani terrorists, on 23 June 1985. The Memorial is located at the Commissioner's Park, near Dows Lake.

2.  The memorial service, an annual feature, was organised by Mr. Susheel Gupta, representing Air India Victims' Families Association (also Vice-Chairperson, Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, Government of Canada) and Indo- Canada Association (ICA) headed by Shri Umesh Kumar. Prominent participants includedAmbassador Ray Bassett of Ireland, Counsellor Vineeta Sharma from the High Commission of India, ICA members as well as, family and friends of the victims. Floral wreaths were placed andcandles lit, as a mark of respect, at the memorial by the victims' families, ICA, Government representatives and other attendees.

3.  Speaking on the occasion Mr. Kenney expressed solidarity and sympathy with thebereaved members of family and friends. Counsellor Sharma said that the best homage to the memory of the victims can be paid by strengthening mutual cooperation and resolve in fighting the forces of terrorism so that such crimes against humanity, do not take place again.

4.  In 2005 the Government of Canada, declared June 23rd, the day of bombing of Air India flight 182, as the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism. The worst terror incident originating from the Canadian soil, consumed 280 Canadians lives, mostly of Indian origin.

5.  The Air India Memorial in Ottawa, features a bronze plaque with names of all the victims of the tragedy. Similar memorials are built at Toronto and Vancouver.

Ottawa
29 June 2015