Mystery of Flight IC-814 | The Worst Plane Hijacking in Indian History
On December 24, 1999, an event unfolded that would etch itself into the annals of Indian history, not for its heroics or triumph, but for the sheer audacity and turmoil it brought with it. This was the fateful day when Indian Airlines flight IC 814, en route from Kathmandu to Delhi, became the stage for one of the most significant hijackings in Indian history.
A Journey Gone Awry
The ill-fated flight, with 11 crew members and 179 passengers on board, began as any other journey. The passengers, blissfully unaware of the impending ordeal, were served lunch as the aircraft cruised through the skies. However, their peaceful mid-air meal was disrupted when, out of nowhere, four masked individuals abruptly rose from their seats, announcing their sinister intentions: the plane had been hijacked.
The Hijackers' Demands
As fear gripped the passengers and crew, the hijackers made their demands clear. They sought a staggering $200 million from the Indian government, alongside additional requests, including the release of imprisoned terrorists. The nation watched in suspense, glued to their television screens, as this unprecedented hijacking drama began to unfold.
A Nation's Suspended Breath
For the next seven days, the entire nation held its breath, following the developments of this hijacking saga. It was not just an aviation crisis; it was a nerve-wracking ordeal that touched the core of the country's security and sovereignty. The IC 814 hijacking incident would go down in history as the largest and last plane hijacking on Indian soil.
The Resilient Outcome
Remarkably, and fortunately for India, this incident stands as the last hijacking of an Indian aircraft. Since then, the country has tightened its security measures, ensuring that such an audacious act does not recur on its soil.
Unraveling the Hijacking
Now, let us delve into the intricate details of this notorious hijacking, piece by piece, to understand the events that transpired.
The Hijack Begins
Just after the flight departed from Kathmandu, the hijackers revealed themselves and began their ominous agenda. With the passengers under their control, they entered the cockpit, taking Captain Devi Sharan hostage at gunpoint. The pilot was instructed to alter the course of the flight and head westward. The destination: Lahore's airport in Pakistan.
High-Stakes Negotiations
As the hijackers intended to land in Pakistan, Indian air traffic controllers became aware of the situation at 4:40 PM. Astonishingly, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and his Principal Secretary, Brajesh Mishra, were only informed an hour later at 5:20 PM. The urgency of the situation became apparent at 6:04 PM when the Indian air traffic control made contact with Flight IC814. Captain Devi Sharan, with a plane running low on fuel and denied permission to land in Lahore, appealed to the Indian authorities to intervene and request Pakistani authorities to permit landing in Lahore.
The Turning Point: Amritsar
At 6:30 PM, a critical decision was made, and the hijackers conceded to have the plane land in Amritsar for refueling. The decision had shifted the advantage to the Indian government, giving them a better position to handle the crisis. However, what unfolded next would be labeled as a historic blunder.
The Blunders and Missed Opportunities
Several mistakes marred the handling of the crisis at Amritsar. At 7:01 PM, the flight touched down in Amritsar, where it was promptly requested to refuel. Shockingly, Punjab’s Director General of Police, Sarabjit Singh, learned about the hijacking through the news, rather than official sources, emphasizing the critical breakdown in communication.
A crisis management group and a local committee were formed, both to delay the plane as much as possible to provide more time for commandos to strategize. However, the hijackers refused to communicate with local police officials and insisted on negotiations with Delhi, resulting in ineffective communication.
A Harrowing Standoff
As time passed, the situation within the plane deteriorated. Food and water supplies dwindled, and the conditions on board became increasingly unbearable. The hijackers, growing impatient, began to threaten the passengers, even resorting to violence. Rupin Katyal, a 25-year-old on his honeymoon, was brutally attacked and tragically lost his life.
The Route to Kandahar
After taking off from Amritsar, the hijackers rerouted the plane to Lahore, Pakistan. Despite several attempts to negotiate with Pakistani authorities and avoid further bloodshed, the plane was denied landing. In a high-stakes moment, Captain Devi Sharan informed the air traffic control that they were running out of fuel and had to land. This ultimatum forced Pakistan's air traffic control to relent, allowing the plane to land in Lahore at 8:07 PM.
A Tense Standoff
India, in a bid to secure the release of the passengers and end the harrowing ordeal, dispatched the Indian High Commissioner from Islamabad to negotiate with the hijackers. As the negotiations dragged on, the conditions on board deteriorated further, with passengers suffering and fearing for their lives.
The Release and the Escape
After six grueling days of negotiations, the demands of the hijackers were finally met. Three prisoners were released in exchange for the passengers' freedom. The hijackers, along with the released prisoners, were driven to the border of Pakistan. Despite the tense standoff, they managed to cross into Pakistani territory.
Unraveling the Mystery
The IC 814 hijacking incident, with its numerous complexities and blunders, raises many questions. The mishandling of the crisis, the lack of communication, and the subsequent release of prisoners have led to speculation about the involvement of various actors, including Pakistan's ISI.
Conclusion
The hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC 814 on December 24, 1999, is a somber chapter in India's history. It marked the end of an era of easy access to Indian aircraft and the beginning of stringent security measures. The lessons learned from this tragic event have ensured that no other plane has been hijacked on Indian soil since. It is a stark reminder of the importance of robust security protocols and clear communication in averting such crises.
The IC 814 hijacking will forever be etched in the memory of a nation, serving as a testament to the resilience and determination of the people involved in the crisis. The passengers and crew who endured this terrifying ordeal, and the officials who worked tirelessly to secure their release, all played a part in this unforgettable chapter of Indian history.