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Shut down terror finance, Union Minister Puri tells world on Kanishka bombing anniversary

The article from ThePrint, published on June 23, 2024, titled "Shut down terror finance: Union Minister Puri tells world on Kanishka bombing anniversary," discusses Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri's call to the international community to take decisive action against terrorism financing. The article marks the 39th anniversary of the Air India Flight 182 bombing, also known as the Kanishka bombing, which remains one of the deadliest acts of aviation terrorism in history.

On June 23, 1985, Air India Flight 182, a Boeing 747 named Kanishka, exploded off the coast of Ireland, killing all 329 people on board, including 268 Canadian citizens, 27 British citizens, and 24 Indian citizens. The bombing was carried out by Sikh militants in retaliation for Operation Blue Star, an Indian military operation conducted in June 1984 to remove Sikh separatists from the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The tragedy has left a lasting impact on the families of the victims and has been a poignant reminder of the dangers of terrorism.

In his statement, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri emphasized the need for a global effort to dismantle the financial networks that support terrorist activities. He highlighted that the Kanishka bombing was not just an attack on India but a global tragedy that demanded a unified response from the international community. Puri stressed that the persistence of terrorism financing is a significant obstacle to achieving lasting peace and security worldwide.

Puri's call to action comes at a time when the world is grappling with various forms of terrorism, from state-sponsored attacks to those carried out by non-state actors. He pointed out that the financial infrastructure supporting these activities often operates across borders, making it challenging for any single nation to combat it effectively. Therefore, he urged countries to collaborate more closely, share intelligence, and implement stringent measures to cut off the flow of funds to terrorist organizations.

The article also delves into the historical context of the Kanishka bombing, providing a detailed account of the events leading up to the tragedy. It recounts how the bombing was meticulously planned by Sikh extremists who sought to avenge the Indian government's actions during Operation Blue Star. The perpetrators managed to smuggle a bomb onto the aircraft, which detonated mid-flight, causing the plane to crash into the Atlantic Ocean.

The aftermath of the bombing saw a prolonged investigation that spanned multiple countries. The Canadian authorities, in particular, faced criticism for their handling of the case, with many believing that the investigation was not thorough enough. It took years for the perpetrators to be brought to justice, with the mastermind, Talwinder Singh Parmar, being killed by Indian police in 1992 before he could be tried. Other individuals involved in the bombing were eventually convicted, but the process was marred by delays and legal challenges.

The article also touches on the broader implications of the Kanishka bombing for international security. It highlights how the incident underscored the need for better coordination among nations in combating terrorism. The tragedy led to significant changes in aviation security protocols worldwide, with many countries implementing stricter measures to prevent similar attacks in the future.

In addition to discussing the historical and security aspects, the article also focuses on the human element of the tragedy. It includes poignant testimonies from the families of the victims, who continue to mourn their loved ones nearly four decades later. These personal stories serve as a reminder of the devastating impact of terrorism on individuals and communities.

The article further explores the current state of global efforts to combat terrorism financing. It notes that while progress has been made, much more needs to be done to effectively dismantle these networks. Puri's call for action is seen as a timely reminder of the urgency of this issue, especially in light of recent terrorist activities around the world.

The article also discusses the role of international organizations such as the United Nations and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in addressing terrorism financing. These bodies have been instrumental in setting standards and guidelines for countries to follow in their efforts to combat terrorist funding. However, the article points out that the effectiveness of these measures depends on the willingness of individual nations to implement them rigorously.

In conclusion, the article from ThePrint provides a comprehensive overview of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri's call to the international community to shut down terror finance on the 39th anniversary of the Kanishka bombing. It delves into the historical context of the tragedy, the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism financing, and the human impact of such acts of violence. The article underscores the need for a united global response to tackle this persistent threat to peace and security, emphasizing that only through collective action can the world hope to eradicate the scourge of terrorism.

Read the Full ThePrint Article at:
[ https://theprint.in/world/shut-down-terror-finance-union-minister-puri-tells-world-on-kanishka-bombing-anniversary/2667854/ ]