Mystery of Flight IC-814 | The Worst Plane Hijacking in Indian History | Dhruv Rathee

Dhruv Rathee17 minutes read

Indian Airlines flight IC 814 was hijacked by demanding individuals who were eventually negotiated with by Indian authorities and the Taliban, leading to the release of passengers and terrorists, revealing Pakistan's involvement in the hijacking.

Insights

  • Communication failures and refuelling delays in Amritsar led to a failed immobilization attempt of Indian Airlines flight IC 814, allowing the hijackers to escape to Lahore, Pakistan, and eventually to Kandahar, Afghanistan.
  • The hijacking of IC 814 in 1999 not only showcased the harrowing conditions endured by passengers under the control of hijackers using code names but also highlighted the complex negotiations involving the Indian government, ISI, Taliban, and demands for prisoner release and significant monetary compensation, ultimately revealing Pakistan's involvement in the hijacking.

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Recent questions

  • What happened during the Indian Airlines flight IC 814 hijacking?

    The Indian Airlines flight IC 814 was hijacked on 24th December 1999 by 5 individuals demanding a ransom and the release of terrorists. The hijackers diverted the plane towards Lahore, Pakistan, but faced communication failures and delays in refuelling. Despite attempts to prevent takeoff, the plane landed in Lahore, Pakistan, leading to failed negotiations and a 6-day standoff in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

  • Who led the negotiations during the Indian Airlines flight IC 814 hijacking?

    Ajit Doval led the negotiations with the hijackers during the Indian Airlines flight IC 814 hijacking. He alleged ISI's support for the hijackers and worked alongside Vivek Katju to reach a compromise with the hijackers, ultimately leading to the release of the passengers.

  • What were the demands of the hijackers during the Indian Airlines flight IC 814 hijacking?

    The hijackers during the Indian Airlines flight IC 814 hijacking demanded $200 million, ₹16.5 billion, and the release of 36 prisoners, including the dead body of Sajjad Afghani, the founder of Harkat-Ul-Mujahideen. These demands were later reduced to releasing only 3 prisoners.

  • How did the Indian government respond to the Indian Airlines flight IC 814 hijacking?

    The Indian government faced pressure from family members of the hijacked passengers to fulfill the hijackers' demands for the safety of their loved ones. Indian negotiators, led by Ajit Doval and Vivek Katju, worked to reach a compromise with the hijackers, ultimately leading to the release of the passengers.

  • Where did the Indian Airlines flight IC 814 hijacking finally come to an end?

    The Indian Airlines flight IC 814 hijacking finally came to an end in Kandahar, Afghanistan, where the hijackers released the passengers on 31st December. The released terrorists and hijackers were then driven towards the Pakistan border, revealing Pakistan's involvement in the hijacking.

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Summary

00:00

Indian Airlines Flight IC 814 Hijacking: A Standoff

  • On 24th December 1999, Indian Airlines flight IC 814 was hijacked by 5 individuals demanding $200 million from the Indian Government and the release of terrorists.
  • The hijackers diverted the plane towards Lahore, Pakistan, but were denied landing permission, leading to a request to land in Amritsar for refuelling.
  • Communication failures and delays in refuelling led to a failed plan by Indian authorities to immobilize the plane in Amritsar.
  • Despite attempts to prevent takeoff, the hijackers pressured the pilot to depart, narrowly avoiding a collision with a fuel tanker on the runway.
  • The plane landed in Lahore, Pakistan, where negotiations failed, resulting in the death of a passenger and continued refusals to land in Oman and Dubai.
  • The plane eventually landed in Kandahar, Afghanistan, where the Taliban offered to mediate with India, leading to a 6-day standoff.
  • Indian suspicions of Taliban's intentions and involvement of ISI in supporting the hijackers complicated negotiations.
  • Ajit Doval led a team to negotiate with the hijackers, alleging ISI's support for their safe exit.
  • The hijackers, using code names like "Burger" and "Doctor," maintained control over the passengers, segregating men from women and children.
  • The passengers endured deteriorating conditions, with food and water shortages, unsanitary toilets, and a sense of uncertainty about their future.

15:22

Kandahar Hijacking: Negotiations, Compromise, and Release

  • Hijackers at Kandahar demanded $200 million and ₹16.5 billion, along with the release of 36 prisoners, including the dead body of Sajjad Afghani, the founder of Harkat-Ul-Mujahideen.
  • Indian government faced pressure from family members of the hijacked plane's passengers, demanding the government fulfill the hijackers' demands for the safety of their loved ones.
  • Indian negotiators led by Vivek Katju and Ajit Doval reached Kandahar on 27th December to negotiate with the hijackers, facing pressure from protestors and Taliban's refusal to allow Indian forces to conduct rescue operations.
  • Ultimately, the demands of the hijackers were reduced to releasing only 3 prisoners, with credit given to Indian negotiators and Taliban for the compromise.
  • The hijackers released the passengers on 31st December, while the released terrorists and hijackers were driven towards the Pakistan border, revealing Pakistan's involvement in the hijacking.
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