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IC814 Kandahar Hijack: ‘Taliban Had No Control, There Was No Food’ Says Ex-R&AW Special Secretary Anand Arni
The IC814 hijack, a tragic and unprecedented event in the history of Indian aviation, continues to evoke strong memories and analytical discussions. Recently, Anand Arni, an ex-R&AW Special Secretary, shared his insights on the incident, shedding light on the Taliban’s role and the conditions during the hijack.
Table of Contents
- Overview of IC814 Hijack
- Anand Arni’s Revelation
- Conditions During the Hijack
- Taliban’s Role
- The Aftermath
Overview of IC814 Hijack
The hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC814 on December 24, 1999, stands out as one of the most harrowing episodes in aviation history. The flight, en route from Kathmandu to New Delhi, was seized by five armed men. Passengers and crew were held hostage for a grueling week as the plane made its way across multiple countries before ultimately landing in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
Anand Arni’s Revelation
Recently, Anand Arni, a former Special Secretary in India’s Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), disclosed some intriguing details about the hijack. He recounted how the Taliban, purportedly in control of Afghanistan at that time, were visibly embarrassed and nervous throughout the hijacking ordeal.
Conditions During the Hijack
According to Arni, the conditions during the hijack were far from ideal. He highlighted the sheer chaos that surrounded the plane and the lack of basic amenities, paradoxically accentuating the Taliban’s inability to exert any real control over the situation.
Taliban’s Role
Arni’s account sheds light on the Taliban’s involvement or the lack thereof. Despite being the de facto rulers of Afghanistan, the Taliban had limited power to influence the hijackers or manage the crisis effectively. This revelation raises several questions about the operational capabilities of the Taliban during the late 1990s.
The Aftermath
The aftermath of the IC814 hijack was significant, shaping India’s counter-terrorism policies and diplomatic engagements. The incident underscored the need for better security measures and international cooperation to combat terrorism.
The full extent of Anand Arni’s insights can be accessed from authoritative sources that detail his revelations and their implications for understanding international terrorism dynamics during that era. For further reading, consider exploring the archived footage and articles available with credible media houses.
The IC814 hijack remains a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of terrorism and the complex geopolitical landscape that countries must navigate to safeguard their citizens.
