Indian Airlines Flight 814, commonly known as IC-814, became infamous when it was hijacked on December 24, 1999. Departing from Kathmandu, Nepal, with 176 people onboard, the Airbus A300 was on its way to Delhi. Shortly after takeoff, five armed terrorists, later identified as members of the Pakistan-based Harkat-ul-Mujahideen group, took control of the aircraft. The passengers and crew faced days of terror, which ended only after the plane made several stops across Asia. This hijacking brought India’s vulnerability and anti-terrorism measures into sharp focus.
The Journey of IC-814
Once hijacked, the plane was initially diverted to Lahore, Pakistan, where it was denied landing clearance. After limited refueling, it made its way to Amritsar, India, but left within minutes when India’s authorities hesitated to take military action. The plane then flew to Dubai, where one hostage was released after being killed by the hijackers as a warning. Finally, IC-814 landed in Kandahar, Afghanistan, under Taliban rule at the time, and negotiations began. The situation was complex, with the Taliban playing mediator and the Indian government feeling pressure to save the hostages.
Negotiations and Aftermath
Negotiations dragged on for days in Kandahar, putting immense emotional strain on the hostages and their families. The hijackers demanded the release of three terrorists held in Indian prisons, including Masood Azhar, the future founder of the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist organization. Under intense pressure, India agreed, securing the release of all passengers and crew but setting a dangerous precedent. The released terrorists went on to mastermind further attacks, including the 2001 Indian Parliament attack.
Legacy of the IC-814 Hijacking
The IC-814 hijacking is a dark chapter in Indian history, sparking nationwide debate over national security and hostage negotiation strategies. It led to significant changes in India’s aviation security protocols and counter-terrorism policies. The haunting ordeal of IC-814 stands as a reminder of the critical need for vigilance, strategy, and coordination in global anti-terrorism efforts.
