Mystery of Flight IC-814 _ The Worst Plane Hijacking in Indian History

Indian Airlines Flight IC 814, also known as IC 814, was a flight from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, India. On December 24, 1999, the flight was hijacked by a group of militants.

Here's a Detail of Hijacking of Flight IC 814:

Hijacking: 

Five armed hijackers, believed to be members of the extremist group Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, seized control of the aircraft shortly after takeoff from Kathmandu. 

The hijackers demanded the release of several imprisoned terrorists in India and Pakistan.

Flight Path: 

The hijackers forced the aircraft to fly to several different locations. It landed in Amritsar, India, Lahore, Pakistan, and Dubai, UAE, before finally being grounded in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Passengers and Crew: 

The aircraft was carrying 178 passengers and 11 crew members. The passengers included nationals from various countries, mainly India.

Negotiations

The Indian government engaged in negotiations with the hijackers to secure the release of the passengers and crew. 

This was a lengthy and complex process, involving diplomatic efforts and concessions.

Release of Hostages: 

Over the course of several days, some hostages were released as a result of negotiations. However, it was a tense and traumatic situation for those on board.

End of Hijacking: 

On December 31, 1999, after a week of negotiations, the Indian government agreed to the hijackers' demands, which included the release of three terrorists imprisoned in India. In exchange, the remaining hostages were released, and the hijacking came to an end.

Here are some additional details and consequences related to the hijacking of Flight IC 814:

Consequences of the Release: 

The release of three imprisoned terrorists in exchange for the hostages was a controversial decision by the Indian government. 

It was criticized by many for potentially setting a dangerous precedent, as it could encourage future hijackings and hostage-taking incidents.

Diplomatic Tensions: 

The hijacking of IC 814 strained diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan. 

The hijackers had demanded the release of terrorists in both countries, and the involvement of Pakistani authorities in negotiations added to the complexity of the situation.

Impact on Aviation Security: 

The hijacking prompted a reevaluation of aviation security in India and worldwide. 

It led to the implementation of stricter security measures at Indian airports and a renewed focus on improving security protocols to prevent similar incidents.

Counter-Terrorism Measures: 

The incident highlighted the need for better counter-terrorism coordination and intelligence sharing between nations 

Efforts were made to improve cooperation in tracking and apprehending terrorists.

Legal Implications: 

The decision to release terrorists as part of the negotiation raised legal and ethical questions. 

It also fueled debates on whether governments should negotiate with terrorists or not.

Ongoing Threat: 

The release of terrorists raised concerns about the potential threat they might pose upon their release. 

It highlighted the challenge of managing and monitoring individuals with extremist backgrounds.

Media Coverage: 

The hijacking received extensive media coverage both in India and internationally. The media played a crucial role in informing the public about the situation and putting pressure on authorities to resolve the crisis.

Flight IC 814's hijacking remains a significant and controversial event in India's history, with enduring implications for aviation security, counter-terrorism strategies, and international relations.

The hijacking of Flight IC 814 was a significant event in India's history and led to a reassessment of security procedures in the aviation industry. 

It also highlighted the challenges and complexities of dealing with such incidents.