IC 814 Hijack: Who’s the Terrorist Whose Body Hijackers Sought?

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Background of IC 814 Hijacking
• Key Players Involved
  • Sajjad Afghani
  • Masood Azhar
  • Taliban’s Role
• Timeline of Events
• Demands of the Hijackers
• The Aftermath
• Impact on International Relations
• IC 814 in Popular Culture
• Conclusion

Introduction

The IC 814 hijack remains one of the most dramatic and tense moments in the history of terrorism. An event that captured global attention, the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC 814 in December 1999 led to a complex negotiation that had far-reaching consequences. Central to this incident was the demand by hijackers to release certain individuals, particularly the body of Sajjad Afghani.

Background of IC 814 Hijacking

Indian Airlines flight IC 814 was en route from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, India. On December 24, 1999, the plane was hijacked by five armed men shortly after take-off. The hijackers directed the plane to different locations, ultimately landing in Kandahar, Afghanistan, which was under Taliban control at the time.

Key Players Involved

Sajjad Afghani

Sajjad Afghani was a key figure whose release was demanded by the hijackers. A prominent member of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, Afghani was captured and jailed in India in 1994. His status and significance among terrorist organizations made him a focal point in the hijackers’ demands.

Masood Azhar

Masood Azhar, another name demanded by the hijackers, is a well-known extremist leader and the head of Jaish-e-Mohammed. His involvement in numerous terrorist activities made his release a contentious issue between the hijackers and the Indian government.

Taliban’s Role

The Taliban, which had control over Afghanistan during the hijacking, played a significant role as intermediaries between the Indian government and the hijackers. The complexities of dealing with the Taliban added layers of difficulty to the negotiation process.

Timeline of Events

1. December 24, 1999: IC 814 is hijacked after taking off from Kathmandu.
2. December 25, 1999: The plane lands in Amritsar, India, but takes off again without refueling.
3. December 27, 1999: The hijacked plane is ultimately taken to Kandahar, Afghanistan.
4. December 31, 1999: After intense negotiations, the Indian government agrees to release three high-profile terrorists.

Demands of the Hijackers

Besides demanding the release of Sajjad Afghani and Masood Azhar, the hijackers wanted the remains of key jihadist figures and a safe passage guarantee. Negotiating these terms required intensive discussions and international mediation.

The Aftermath

The release of the terrorists, including Masood Azhar, had significant repercussions. Within months, Azhar established Jaish-e-Mohammed, a terrorist organization responsible for numerous attacks in India, including the 2001 Indian Parliament attack.

Impact on International Relations

The IC 814 hijack strained India-Pakistan relations further and raised questions globally about the efficacy and ethics of negotiating with terrorists. It revealed the geopolitical complexities of dealing with state and non-state actors in conflict resolution.

IC 814 in Popular Culture

The story of IC 814 has been recounted in various forms, including documentaries, books, and television series. Recently, a Netflix series spotlighted the incident, detailing the hijacking and its intricate web of players and politics.

Conclusion

The IC 814 hijack is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities associated with air travel and the far-reaching impact of terrorism. While the immediate crisis was resolved with the release of the hostages, the long-term consequences reverberate to this day, influencing counter-terrorism policies and international relations.

By delving into the historical context, key players, and aftermath of this hijacking, we gain deeper insights into the complexities and challenges of tackling global terrorism.

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