IC-814 The Kandahar Hijack – A Defining Moment in India’s Fight Against Terrorism

IC-814 The Kandahar Hijack is one of the most significant and traumatic events in India’s modern history. The hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 on December 24, 1999, by five armed terrorists was a shocking incident that highlighted the vulnerabilities in India’s security apparatus and forever changed the way the nation deals with terrorism.

The Fateful Day: December 24, 1999

On a seemingly ordinary day, Indian Airlines Flight 814, an Airbus A300, took off from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, heading toward Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, India. However, shortly after entering Indian airspace, the flight was hijacked by five masked men wielding knives and firearms. The hijackers forced the pilots to alter the plane’s course, setting off a chain of events that would captivate and horrify the nation.

The hijackers, later identified as members of the Pakistan-based militant group Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, took control of the plane with 176 passengers and 15 crew members on board. Their demands were simple yet terrifying: the release of three terrorists imprisoned in India—Maulana Masood Azhar, Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar.

A Missed Opportunity at Amritsar

The first major stop in the hijackers’ journey was at Amritsar, where the plane landed to refuel. This was a critical moment, one that could have potentially ended the crisis before it escalated. The aircraft remained on the tarmac for nearly 50 minutes, providing Indian authorities a narrow window to intervene. However, due to a lack of decisive action and clear instructions, this opportunity was lost. The failure to act decisively during these crucial moments has since been the subject of intense scrutiny and debate.

AS Dulat, the then-chief of India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), later acknowledged the missed opportunity, stating that the crisis could have been contained at Amritsar. The plane’s departure from Indian soil marked a turning point, severely limiting India’s options for resolving the hijacking.

The Odyssey: From Amritsar to Kandahar IC-814 The Kandahar Hijack.

After leaving Amritsar, the hijackers directed the plane to Lahore, Pakistan, where it was refueled once again. Pakistani authorities, however, denied the plane permission to land, forcing the hijackers to continue their journey. The next stop was Dubai, where 27 hostages, including women, children, and those with medical conditions, were released. The release of these passengers provided a brief moment of relief amidst the escalating tension.

IC-814 The Kandahar Hijack. The hijackers then forced the plane to head towards Kandahar, Afghanistan, which was under the control of the Taliban. The Taliban’s involvement added a new layer of complexity to the situation, as the group offered to mediate between the hijackers and the Indian government. However, their true intentions remained unclear, and there were fears that the Taliban might be colluding with the terrorists.

Negotiations: A Diplomatic Tightrope

IC-814 The Kandahar Hijack. With the plane now in Kandahar, the Indian government faced a severe crisis. The situation was precarious, with 155 hostages still on board and the hijackers growing increasingly desperate. The government, led by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, was under immense pressure to secure the safe release of the hostages while maintaining the nation’s dignity and security.

Negotiations were conducted under extreme duress, with the hijackers insisting on the release of the three imprisoned terrorists. The Indian government, after exhausting all other options, reluctantly agreed to the hijackers’ demands. The decision to release the terrorists was met with mixed reactions. On one hand, it ensured the safe return of the hostages, but on the other, it set free individuals who would go on to commit further acts of terrorism, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

The Aftermath: Repercussions and Criticism

IC-814 The Kandahar Hijack. The release of Masood Azhar, in particular, had far-reaching consequences. Azhar went on to form the terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed, which has been responsible for several high-profile attacks in India. The decision to negotiate with the hijackers and release these terrorists has been heavily criticized, with many arguing that it emboldened terrorist groups and set a dangerous precedent.

The incident also exposed significant flaws in India’s counter-terrorism strategies and crisis management protocols. The lack of coordination between various agencies, the failure to act decisively during the plane’s stopover in Amritsar, and the eventual decision to release the terrorists highlighted the need for a comprehensive overhaul of India’s security apparatus.

IC-814 The Kandahar Hijack A Catalyst for Change

The hijacking of IC-814 served as a wake-up call for India. In the aftermath of the incident, the government took several steps to enhance the country’s security measures. The creation of specialized anti-hijacking teams, the introduction of stricter airport security protocols, and the establishment of the National Security Guard (NSG) as the primary response force for such crises were direct outcomes of this incident.

The government also reviewed and reformed its negotiation policies, making it clear that India would not negotiate with terrorists in future incidents. These measures have since been instrumental in preventing similar crises and ensuring a more robust response to threats against the nation.

IC-814 The Kandahar Hijack in Popular Culture: The Netflix Controversy

In recent years, the story of IC-814 has been revisited in popular culture, most notably in the Netflix series “IC-814 The Kandahar Hijack.” Directed by Anubhav Sinha, the series dramatizes the events of the hijacking, bringing the story to a new generation of viewers. However, the series has not been without controversy.

Critics have taken issue with the portrayal of the hijackers, particularly the use of code names such as ‘Shankar’ and ‘Bhola’ for the terrorists. These names, traditionally associated with Hindu deities, sparked outrage on social media, with many accusing the filmmakers of distorting historical facts and offending religious sentiments. The backlash was so intense that Netflix was compelled to update the series’ disclaimer to include both the real and code names of the hijackers.

Monika Shergill, Vice President of Content at Netflix India, defended the series, stating that it aimed to reflect the actual events and the code names used during the hijacking. Despite this, the controversy has reignited debates about the responsibilities of filmmakers in portraying historical events and the potential impact on public perception.

Legacy of IC-814: Lessons Learned

The hijacking of IC-814 is more than just a tragic event; it is a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges involved in counter-terrorism efforts. The incident exposed the vulnerabilities in India’s security apparatus and highlighted the need for a more coordinated and decisive approach to such crises.

The lessons learned from IC-814 have shaped India’s security policies and counter-terrorism strategies in the years since. The incident underscored the importance of preparedness, swift decision-making, and the need to stand firm against terrorism. It also emphasized the need for global cooperation in combating terrorism, as the hijacking involved multiple countries and required a coordinated international response.

Final Thoughts: The Enduring Impact of IC-814

IC-814 The Kandahar Hijack remains etched in the collective memory of the nation as a traumatic and defining moment in India’s fight against terrorism. The incident not only tested the resolve of the Indian government but also left a lasting impact on the country’s counter-terrorism policies.

The story of IC-814 is a reminder of the human cost of terrorism and the difficult choices that governments must sometimes make in the face of such threats. While the release of the hostages was a relief, the subsequent actions of the released terrorists serve as a cautionary tale about the long-term consequences of negotiating with terrorists.

As India continues to face challenges from terrorist organizations, the lessons of IC-814 remain relevant. The incident has shaped the nation’s approach to dealing with such threats and serves as a somber reminder of the need for vigilance, preparedness, and a firm stance against terrorism.