IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack

The hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814 in December 1999 remains one of the most dramatic and impactful incidents in the history of aviation. This event, which unfolded over several days, involved a plane being hijacked and subsequently taken to Kandahar, Afghanistan, by terrorists. It had significant implications for international diplomacy, counter-terrorism measures, and relations between India and Pakistan. Here, we explore the details of the hijacking, the key players involved, and the aftermath of this crisis.

1. The Hijacking: What Happened?

On December 24, 1999, Indian Airlines Flight IC 814, a routine flight from Kathmandu, Nepal, to New Delhi, India, was hijacked by five armed terrorists shortly after takeoff. The plane was an Airbus A300 carrying 176 passengers and 15 crew members. The hijackers, who identified themselves as members of the Pakistan-based militant group Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, demanded the release of certain militants imprisoned in India.

Key Events of the Hijacking:

• The flight was diverted from its scheduled route and made stops at Amritsar (India), Lahore (Pakistan), and Dubai (United Arab Emirates) before finally landing in Kandahar, Afghanistan, which was under Taliban control at the time.
• During its stop in Dubai, 27 passengers were released, and one passenger, Rupin Katyal, was fatally stabbed by the hijackers.
• The plane remained on the tarmac in Kandahar for several days as negotiations between the hijackers and the Indian government took place.

2. Negotiations and Demands

Upon landing in Kandahar, the hijackers issued several demands:

• The release of three high-profile militants imprisoned in India: Maulana Masood Azhar, Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar.
• A sum of $200 million in cash.
• The removal of Indian security forces from Kashmir.

The negotiations were complicated by the involvement of the Taliban, which had control over the Kandahar airport. While the Taliban claimed to play a mediatory role, their presence added a layer of complexity to the negotiations. The Indian government faced immense pressure to ensure the safe release of the hostages, leading to intense diplomatic efforts and back-channel negotiations.

3. The Release of Hostages

After days of intense negotiations, the Indian government agreed to release the three imprisoned militants in exchange for the safe return of the passengers and crew. On December 31, 1999, the hostages were released, and the hijackers, along with the freed militants, were allowed to leave Kandahar. The released hostages were flown back to India, where they received a hero's welcome. The government’s decision to release the militants was met with mixed reactions, with many expressing relief for the safety of the hostages but also concern over the implications of negotiating with terrorists.

4. Key Players and Reactions

• Indian Government: Faced with a delicate situation, the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, was criticized for its handling of the crisis. The decision to release the militants was seen by some as a capitulation to terrorist demands, while others understood it as a necessary measure to save lives.
• The Taliban: As the ruling power in Afghanistan, the Taliban's role during the hijacking was ambiguous. They claimed neutrality but were accused of supporting the hijackers.
• International Community: The hijacking drew widespread international condemnation. Countries around the world expressed solidarity with India and denounced the act of terrorism.

5. Aftermath and Implications

The hijacking of IC 814 had far-reaching consequences:

• Security Measures: The incident highlighted vulnerabilities in airport and airline security, leading to tighter security measures at airports, especially in India. It also prompted a reevaluation of counter-terrorism policies and protocols for handling hijacking situations.
• Terrorism and Diplomacy: The release of Maulana Masood Azhar, in particular, had significant repercussions. He later founded the militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed, which has been linked to several terrorist attacks, including the 2001 Indian Parliament attack and the 2019 Pulwama attack.
• India-Pakistan Relations: The hijacking strained already tense relations between India and Pakistan, with India accusing Pakistan of supporting the hijackers and sheltering the militants. This event further complicated the diplomatic landscape of South Asia.

6. Legacy of the Kandahar Hijacking

The Kandahar hijacking remains a pivotal moment in the fight against terrorism. It exposed the complexities of negotiating with terrorists and the difficult choices governments face in such crises. The legacy of IC 814 continues to influence India’s counter-terrorism strategy and its approach to dealing with militant threats. The event also serves as a reminder of the need for international cooperation in combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of air travel.