Air India Bombing Should Be Etched in Canadian History: Ambassador

Ambassador Bob Rae insists the 1985 Air India bombing should be recognized as a Canadian tragedy, rather than an issue affecting just the Indian community. In a recent visit to Ireland, he shared the importance of acknowledging the bombing’s impact on Canada. He called for an increase in public awareness and education about this event, likening its significance to that of 9/11. Families of victims continue to pursue recognition and healing, supported by the local Irish community.

In a poignant reminder of a tragic chapter in Canadian history, Ambassador Bob Rae emphasized that the Air India bombing of 1985 should be an indelible part of Canada’s collective memory. Speaking during a recent visit to Ahakista, Ireland, Rae expressed that, even after four decades, the event is often seen solely as a tragedy for the Indian community, overlooking the fact that the majority of the 329 victims were Canadians. He noted that the bombing did not receive the recognition it deserved as a national tragedy.

Rae, who previously reviewed the Air India terrorism case after two suspects were acquitted, shared how the grievous stories of victims’ families have left a lasting impact on him. “That was one of the main things that I said in my report… it was seen as somebody else’s problem,” he remarked. He highlighted the need to acknowledge the extremism that catalyzed this unprecedented act of terrorism, which involved both planning and execution by Canadians themselves.

The ambassador’s report in November 2005 called for a public inquiry into the intelligence failures that preceded the tragic event. Following this, Prime Minister Stephen Harper appointed Justice John Major to lead a broader judicial inquiry. Rae underscored how his work on the report led to the creation of memorials across Canada and the establishment of June 23 as a day of remembrance for victims of terrorism. Despite these strides, he lamented that “the narrative of what took place is still not embedded in the country.”

Despite the memorials and the designated day of remembrance, Rae insisted that more needs to be done to embed this historical event into Canadian consciousness, particularly in schools. He emphasized that the Air India bombing represents the worst mass murder in the country’s history, comparable in significance to the September 11 attacks in the United States.

Rae reflected on his emotional journey working with the families of the victims. His efforts in connecting with these families led to a memorable dinner in 2005 with then-Prime Minister Paul Martin, who spent hours engaging with them. This relationship fostered a deeper understanding of their plight, as Rae noted the lack of attentiveness from previous leaders.

This year marks Rae’s return to Ireland to honor the memories of those lost, motivated by strong friendships with the victim’s families. He has also noted the deep connections formed between the Air India families and the local Irish community in Bantry. During his visit, he attended a high school award ceremony where scholarships were presented by Babu Turlapati, a Toronto resident who lost two sons in the bombing.

Turlapati has dedicated years to giving back to the local community, asserting that despite their tragic loss, the scholarships have helped bring solace. He stated, “This is the silver lining in our tragedy… the support we get from the Irish community has brought our spirits back to life.”

Ambassador Bob Rae’s reflections during his visit to Ireland underscore the importance of recognizing the Air India bombing as a Canadian tragedy. His statements highlight the need for greater public awareness and education regarding this devastating event. Despite progress in memorializing the victims and acknowledging their loss, Rae argues that a deeper understanding and incorporation of this historical tragedy into Canadian history is still required, echoing the sentiments of families who continue to seek recognition and closure for their losses.

Original Source: vancouversun.com

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