IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack

In 1984, the world witnessed one of the most dramatic and harrowing hijackings in the history of aviation: the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC 814. The flight, carrying 228 passengers and crew, was enroute from New Delhi to Amritsar when it was seized by a group of Sikh separatists.
The hijackers, led by Harjinder Singh Jinda, demanded the release of 52 Sikh prisoners held in Indian jails. As the aircraft made its way across the globe, the fate of the hostages hung in the balance.
The hijackers forced the plane to land in Lahore, Pakistan, where they refueled and demanded food and supplies. The Pakistani authorities refused to allow the hostages to leave the aircraft, but provided the provisions requested.
From Lahore, the hijackers directed the plane to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. They threatened to blow up the aircraft if their demands were not met. Intense negotiations took place between the Indian government and the hijackers, with the help of the UAE authorities.

A Tale of Courage and Endurance

Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, there were countless stories of courage and resilience. Passengers and crew alike displayed incredible bravery in the face of adversity. One of the most remarkable figures was the flight attendant Neerja Bhanot, who, despite being shot and wounded, continued to attend to the passengers and help them escape.

A Tragic Ending

On the seventh day of the hijacking, the plane landed in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The hijackers demanded the release of the Sikh prisoners in exchange for the hostages. After prolonged negotiations, the Indian government agreed to the terms and released the prisoners.
However, as the hostages were being released, a tragic incident occurred. The hijackers opened fire on the passengers, killing six Indian passengers and Neerja Bhanot. The remaining hostages were eventually rescued by Afghan forces.
The Kandahar hijacking was a watershed moment in the history of terrorism. It highlighted the urgent need for international cooperation in combating terrorism and the importance of protecting innocent lives. The bravery and resilience of the hostages and crew serve as a reminder of the human spirit's ability to overcome even the darkest of times.

Honoring the Heroine

Neerja Bhanot's heroic actions during the Kandahar hijacking earned her the prestigious Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award. Her story continues to inspire people around the world and serves as a testament to the power of selflessness and courage.
In 2016, a Bollywood film titled "Neerja" was released, which chronicled the events of the hijacking and paid tribute to Bhanot's bravery. The film was a critical and commercial success, further raising awareness of Bhanot's sacrifice.
The Kandahar hijacking remains a haunting reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of standing up to terrorism. The bravery of the hostages and crew, and the sacrifice of Neerja Bhanot, will never be forgotten.