Bomb Threats Rock Indian Aviation on Death Anniversary of Khalistani Terrorist Talwinder Singh Parmar
On the death anniversary of notorious Khalistani terrorist Talwinder Singh Parmar, India faced a series of bomb threats aimed at domestic and international flights. Within 24 hours, security agencies received over ten bomb threats, sparking widespread panic across major Indian airports. These hoax threats impacted flights flying to destinations like Chicago, New York, and Singapore.
The hoax bomb threats coincided with Parmar’s death anniversary, notorious for orchestrating the deadly Kanishka bombing of 1985, which remains the most devastating aviation terrorist attack before 9/11. While these recent threats proved to be hoaxes, the psychological impact disrupted air traffic across India. Air India flights to Chicago and New York were among the major international routes affected.
Response from Authorities
India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation immediately called a high-level meeting to address the threats. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, in consultation with senior officials from the CISF and the Bureau of Civil Aviation, reviewed emergency measures. Security officials confirmed that threats were received on social media, leading to several diversions, emergency landings, and delays.
The CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) revealed that many of the threats came from social media accounts traced to locations abroad, including the UK. The government suspended several suspicious social media accounts and initiated international coordination to track the sources.
Flights Impacted by the Threats
Several flights faced emergency measures due to these threats. Air India Flight AI 127, bound for Chicago, was diverted to Iqaluit airport in Canada, while IndiGo’s flight 6E 98 from Dammam to Lucknow made an emergency landing in Jaipur. Multiple other domestic routes, such as the Jaipur-Ayodhya and Siliguri-Bengaluru flights, also faced disruptions.
An official from Delhi Airport said, “Every threat was taken seriously to ensure passenger safety. Airlines were instructed to follow protocols and carry out emergency checks.”
Talwinder Singh Parmar: The Khalistani Mastermind
Talwinder Singh Parmar’s role in the Kanishka bombing cemented his legacy as a Khalistani terrorist. His death anniversary still stirs emotions among pro-Khalistani groups, leading to security risks. Parmar founded the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), a terrorist group responsible for multiple violent incidents. His activities in Canada and the US have long cast a shadow over Indian security concerns, especially during his infamous tenure in Canada.
Khalistani Threats in Aviation
This latest series of bomb threats underlines the continuing menace posed by Khalistani groups. Even decades after Parmar’s death, his legacy continues to inspire extremist acts. The Indian government has urged international cooperation to curb cross-border Khalistani threats, particularly through social media.
As investigations proceed, Indian authorities remain on high alert, determined to ensure the safety of passengers and air travel. While the hoaxes didn’t result in actual bombings, they highlight the enduring threats linked to Khalistani terrorism.