Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s statement on Sunday, the 39th anniversary of the day Sikh separatists blew up the Air India flight Kanishka from Montreal to India in what was the worst act of aviation terrorism before 9/11, did not mention Khalistan.

The statement did mention that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is now listed as a terrorist entity by Canada.

“Thirty-nine years ago today, 329 innocent people, including 280 Canadians, were killed when a bomb exploded on Air India Flight 182. On the anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attack in Canadian history, we remember the lives taken by violent extremism,” Trudeau posted on X.

Several X users pointed out that Trudeau’s coalition government is “propped up” by the New Democratic Party of Jagmeet SIngh, a leader seen as sympathetic to the cause of Khalistan because he has refused to condemn SIkh extremism.

Trudeau also posted a link to his statement on the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism. The Canadian national day has been observed since 2005 in memory of the Air India bombing.

“Today, we remember and honour every Canadian whose life was cut short or forever changed by a terrorist attack,” the Canadian PM’s statement said.

“Thirty-nine years ago today, 329 innocent people, including 280 Canadians, tragically lost their lives when a bomb, planted on Air India Flight 182 in Canada, exploded mid-flight. This remains the deadliest terrorist attack in Canadian history. It reminds us of the senseless violence that terrorism perpetuates and of our shared responsibility to unequivocally condemn terrorism.

“Canada is doing its part to counter terrorism and violent extremism. We are updating our Counter-Terrorism Strategy to ensure it remains modern and effective. Through the Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence, we’re working with other levels of government and partners to build and share knowledge, fund and coordinate research, and support prevention efforts and interventions.

“Through the Community Resilience Fund, we’re providing funding to organizations that help improve our understanding of violent extremism and our capacity to prevent these acts of violence. And earlier this week, we announced the listing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity under Canada’s Criminal Code. We will continue to work with our allies and partners, at home and around the world, to better detect, prevent, and respond to the threat of terrorism.

“On this day – and every day – we stand united against hate, intolerance, and division. We reaffirm Canada’s determination to fight against violent extremism and keep our people safe.”

Nijjar murder strain on India-Canada ties

The Canadian House of Commons had last week observed a minute’s silence in memory of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on the first anniversary of his murder, adding a fresh strain to bilateral relations.

Nijjar, who headed the Khalistan Terror Force, was gunned down near a gurdwara in Surrey on June 18, 2023, and months later Trudeau had announced in the House of Commons that there was an Indian government hand in his killing. India had rejected this charge.