Spurt In Bomb Threats On Flights: A Disturbing Echo Of Kanishka Bombings Amid India-Canada Diplomatic Row

In a disturbing series of events, bomb threats have disrupted several flights over the past 48 hours, raising concerns eerily reminiscent of the Kanishka bombing in 1985. The most recent incident involved an Air India flight from New Delhi to Chicago, which was diverted to Iqaluit Airport in Canada following an online bomb threat. Although authorities declared the threat a hoax, the frequency of these incidents is unsettling, sparking questions about whether they are mere coincidences or part of a more sinister pattern.

In just two days, 10 flights have been grounded due to hoax bomb threats, including major Indian airlines like Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Akasa Air. Tuesday's incidents included Air India's Delhi-Chicago flight (AI127), IndiGo's Dammam-Lucknow flight, SpiceJet's Darbhanga-Mumbai flight and an Akasa Air flight from Bagdogra to Bengaluru. While none of these threats were credible, the sheer volume and frequency are alarming.

What adds another layer of complexity to these threats is the ongoing diplomatic standoff between India and Canada over the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar, who was wanted in India for his involvement in violent separatist activities, was shot dead in Canada in June last year.

Canada's allegations of Indian involvement in the incident have led to heightened tensions between the two nations, which have since spiraled into a diplomatic crisis. Amid this standoff, pro-Khalistani elements have become more vocal in Canada, where the movement has long found tacit support.

The fact that many of these bomb threats are targeting Indian flights-and that one was diverted to Canada-raises questions about a possible Khalistani connection. The memories of the 1985 Kanishka bombing, where Air India Flight 182 was destroyed mid-air by a bomb planted by Khalistani militants, killing all 329 people aboard, are still fresh in the collective memory. The current bomb threat pattern bears an unsettling resemblance to past Khalistani tactics aimed at instilling fear and disrupting peace.

With India and Canada locked in a pitched diplomatic battle, concerns are mounting that these threats could be part of a broader strategy by pro-Khalistani groups to escalate tensions. Canada, home to a significant Sikh diaspora, has often been criticised for providing a platform for Khalistani extremists, further complicating relations with India.