A-I case: Indo-Canadians demand retrial

Indo-Canadians held a demonstration in front of the office of Canadian Public Security Minister to demand a public inquiry into the case.

Around two dozen Indo-Canadians held a demonstration in front of the office of the Canadian Public Security Minister to demand a public inquiry into the 1985 Air-India bombing which led to the killing of 329 people.

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"The way this whole tragedy has been dragged on for years and years. Lingering questions are out there and when questions are not answered, people start speculating," said Amarjeet Sohi, the organiser of the rally in front of Anne McLellan's constituency office in Edmonton on Saturday.

"This issue of whether it's racism is in people's minds," Sohi added. "If there is nothing to hide, why not call (an inquiry)?"

McLellan, whose office was closed for Easter, has said she won't rule out an inquiry into the investigation of the bombings that killed 331 people, two baggage handlers at a Japanese airport and 329 over the Atlantic Ocean, many of them Indo-Canadians.

But so far, the deputy prime minister has said she is not convinced one is necessary, the Canadian Press reported.

Raj Pannu, an Indo-Canadian at the rally stressed that an inquiry would help ensure the safety of all Canadians.

"There are serious questions about where the system has failed," Pannu told the small crowd. "(McLellan) has simply tried to sweep everything under the rug. That's not good enough."