The hijacking of IC 814 remains one of the darkest chapters in India's history, representing a harrowing ordeal that gripped the nation in December 1999. The Kandahar hijack of IC 814 was a terrifying saga that unfolded over seven days, leaving the entire country on edge. As news of the hijack spread, people across India anxiously tuned in for updates, during a time when 24-hour news coverage was not yet widespread.?
This incident is etched in the memory of those who lived through it, as the days seemed to stretch into eternity. Although the passengers aboard the ill-fated Indian Airlines flight were eventually freed, the price India had to pay was steep. The release of three dangerous terrorists, who later established new terror organizations, continues to haunt the nation to this day.
Timeline of the IC 814 Hijacking: A Day-by-Day Breakdown
Day 1: The Hijack - December 24, 1999
- 16:00 IST: IC 814 took off from Kathmandu, Nepal, bound for Delhi, India.
- 16:39 IST: The aircraft entered Indian airspace as passengers were served refreshments.
- 16:53 IST: A hijacker entered the cockpit with a revolver and grenade, announcing the hijack.
- 16:56 IST: The pilot notified Delhi Air Traffic Control (ATC) about the situation.
- 17:20 IST: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was briefed, and the Crisis Management Group (CMG) convened to address the crisis.
- 18:04 IST: The Captain informed Indian ATC that the plane had only one hour of fuel left. A request to land in Pakistan was denied.
- 18:25 IST: The CMG alerted the National Security Guard (NSG) for a potential rescue operation.
- 18:44 IST: The plane began its descent towards Amritsar airport, with the Captain informing ATC that the hijackers were armed and threatening to kill passengers.
- 18:50 IST: The plane landed in Amritsar, where the Captain urgently requested refuelling. Negotiations were attempted, but the hijackers refused to cooperate.
Take-off to Lahore
- 19:10 IST: The CMG ordered authorities to prevent the plane from taking off at any cost. Armed Punjab Police were deployed around the aircraft.
- Tanker Incident: A fuel tanker was sent to refuel the plane, but the hijackers, suspecting foul play, ordered an immediate takeoff. The plane narrowly avoided a collision with the tanker on the runway.
- 19:47 IST: Despite not receiving clearance, the plane took off from Amritsar. Captain Sharan notified ATC, saying, "We are all dying."
- 19:55 IST: The NSG took off from Hindon Airforce Base but arrived too late at Amritsar airport.
Approaching Lahore and Landing
- 20:01 IST: The Pakistani ATC initially denied permission for the plane to land at Lahore Airport, turning off all lights and navigational aids. With fuel running low, the plane prepared for a crash landing.
- After Realization: Pakistani ATC, realizing the severity of the situation, allowed the plane to land in Lahore.
- After Landing in Lahore: India requested Pakistani authorities to prevent the plane from taking off again. Pakistani forces surrounded the plane and attempted to negotiate with the hijackers for the release of women and children, but these efforts were unsuccessful.
- 22:32 IST: Before the Indian High Commissioner could arrive, the plane was refuelled and allowed to leave Lahore. India sought confirmation regarding reports of passengers being killed, but no response was received.
Diversion to Dubai and Final Destination in Kandahar
- Post-22:32 IST: After departing from Lahore, the hijackers directed the crew towards Kabul. However, due to inadequate night landing facilities, the plane diverted to Dubai.
- 01:32 IST (25 December 1999): IC 814 landed at Al Minhad Air Base in Dubai.
- Negotiations in Dubai: Following negotiations, 27 passengers were released, along with the body of Rupin Katyal, who had succumbed to his injuries after being stabbed by the hijackers.
Landing in Kandahar and the Role of the Taliban
- 08:33 IST (25 December 1999): The aircraft landed at Kandahar airport, controlled by the Taliban.
- Taliban Involvement: The Taliban offered to mediate between India and the hijackers. However, due to India's non-recognition of the Taliban regime, an Indian High Commission official was dispatched to Kandahar.
- Taliban Surrounds the Plane: Armed Taliban members surrounded the aircraft, claiming it was to prevent harm to hostages. However, some believe it was to prevent an Indian military operation.
The Intense Negotiations: December 25-27, 1999
Internal Deliberations
During these days, the Indian government intensely debated their approach to the hijacking. Passengers remained on board, enduring irregular meals, limited water, and inadequate sanitation. The hijackers even used the plane's public announcement system to preach to the passengers.
Divergent Views in the Indian Government
- Home Minister L.K. Advani: Strongly opposed the release of prisoners, fearing negative public backlash.
- External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh: Advocated for negotiating with the Taliban to resolve the situation.
- December 27, 1999: Arrival of Indian Negotiators and Stalemate
- Indian Negotiators Arrive: Led by Vivek Katju, a team of Indian negotiators, including Ajit Doval and C.D. Sahay, arrived in Kandahar.
- Taliban's Role: The Taliban surrounded the plane with tanks to prevent any military action, complicating negotiations.
- ISI's Alleged Support: Ajit Doval later claimed that Pakistan's ISI actively supported the hijackers, allowing them to escape pressure from Indian officials.
The Hijackers' Demands and the Final Negotiations
Initially, the hijackers demanded the release of Masood Azhar in exchange for some passengers, but India refused. They later expanded their demands to include the release of 36 prisoners, the return of Sajjad Afghani's body, and $200 million in cash. Ultimately, the demands were reduced to the release of three terrorists: Masood Azhar, Omar Sheikh, and Mushtaq Zargar.
Release of Prisoners and the End of the Hijacking
- December 30, 1999: The Indian government reluctantly agreed to release the three prisoners, who were flown to Kandahar.
- Release of Hostages: The hijackers then freed the hostages and surrendered their weapons to the Taliban.
- Safe Passage: Despite India's expectations, the Taliban allowed the hijackers and released prisoners to escape to Pakistan.
Aftermath of the IC 814 Hijacking
Suspension of Flights
Following the hijacking, Indian Airlines suspended all flights to and from Kathmandu as a precaution. Services resumed on June 1, 2000, after Nepal assured enhanced security at Kathmandu Airport.
Enhanced Security Measures
Security at Kathmandu Airport was upgraded, and Indian airports were placed under the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to prevent future incidents.
The Fate of the Aircraft
The IC 814 aircraft was eventually returned to Indian Airlines and continued service until it was scrapped in December 2013.
The IC 814 hijack was a tragic event that continues to have repercussions to this day. The release of dangerous terrorists in exchange for the safety of the passengers has led to ongoing security concerns in India. The seven-day ordeal is a reminder of the complex challenges nations face in dealing with terrorism.