Editor's Note
An interesting piece by Lt Gen Bhopinder Singh on The Kandahar Hijack of Flt IC - 814 was published by the Pioneer on 6 Sep 2024 . The subject has been in the news recently due to the popular web series broadcast by Netflix . This article gives the reader rare coverage to this subject of hijacking , the negotiations or dealings that take place between the hijackers ,the crew and the negotiators of affected countries . After this article was published and circulated, some of our Fauji veteran readers responded to a debate initiated by MVI .The respondents articulated their views or comments on what happened or what could or should have happened. Their views were based on their limited first-hand experience or knowledge of the subject and linked issues.
MVI received four rare responses to this debate that are published below . One is from the author himself, Gen Bhopinder Singh, who by virtue of being MS to President got a rare view/ insight of the happenings of apex decision makers of the country . The second response is from Brig RE Williams, who then held the appointment of DDGPI ,Army HQ . The response by Gp Capt TP Srivastava apparently triggered the two rare insights of this event.
The fourth and last response by Brig Pradeep Sharma throws ample light on our Counter Terrorism mechanism, including anti hijacking and the role and function of the NSG in this context .
Collectively, these responses give the readers a ring view of the actual events of the hijack that has since been much debated, especially after the Netflex coverage. We hope readers enjoy these insights of actual happenings against the backdrop of what is being screened by Netflex .
In the introduction to this article, the author states that it " explores beyond the popular and simplistic assumption that countries like Israel or the USA do not negotiate with terrorists - this is untrue and belies the wheels within wheels of the American or Israeli reality, beyond the publicly stated position of ‘no-negotiation’. It is the worst-kept secret that such countries have funnelled money through proxies, ‘friendly countries’, or even masked the same as ‘aid’ to secure their citizens whilst maintaining the official stance. Web series IC-184: The Kandahar Hijack, has triggered debate on the complexities and ‘greys’ that accompany such incidents "
Editor ,MVI
Responses from Veterans
Gp Capt TP Srivastava
Everything that has been written about this hijacking fails to state the basic and fundamental issue. Kandahar hijack, as it is called is a misnomer. The actual name should be Kathmandu hijack. Better still would be to call it Amritsar hijack. This hijack is special for one reason. It is the ONLY HIJACK IN THE WORLD WHEN HIJACKED AIRCRAFT TAKING OFF FROM ANOTHER COUNTRY LANDED IN THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN. WE ALLOWED IT TO TAKE OFF BECAUSE SOMEBODY'S BROTHER IN LAW WAS ON BOARD. Blocking the runway is the simplest thing. The finest example of passengers overpowering terrorists was during 9/11, when flight headed for the White House was overpowered by passengers, resulting in crash killing all on board but saving the national monument. By the way, as I write this let me state that I spoke to then station commander of AF station Amritsar, my youngster, and asked him a basic question as to why he did not block the runway ? He said that the crash tender was already sent to do needful by parking it in front of the aircraft, but SOMEBODY from SOMEWHERE ORDERED HIM TO ALLOW AIRCRAFT TO TAKE OFF AFTER REFUELLING. WE MADE OURSELVES A LAUGHING STOCK BY ASKING PAKISTAN TO FORCE IT TO LAND AT LAHORE. Even in 2024, we simply do not have the guts to admit and state the truth.
Editor's Foreword to Author’s Response
Lt Gen Bhopinder Singh has articulated the complex intricacies of decision-making at the highest levels that he witnessed during that period when he was MS to President. The guidelines that have been advocated by him could possibly serve as terms of reference to enable a well-meaning and objective debate on the subject and linked issues .
Lt Gen Bhopinder Singh:
While I understand that a complex issue like the Kandahar Hijack (semantics of the same, notwithstanding) evinces diverse, contrarian and passionate views, as it should in a healthy democracy - one also had a ringside view as the Military Secretary to the the President with multiple briefings thereon by MEA & PMO, to him, as things were unfolding. It was clearly not the most glorious event in the Indian discourse, and it pointed to multiple issues of mismanagement and misalignment in our governance system (a lot I believe, perhaps still persists, regrettably). However, objectivity, measure and restraint are perhaps warranted in debating the same. How brave or otherwise the crew, passengers or any other stakeholders can be discussed but perhaps it is easier to do so in reflection or on their behalf without having been in their position.
My limited point was to insist that while certain other countries have a more militaristic culture, e.g., Israel, but they have had their moments of monumental failures. The Americans whilst displaying admirable courage in various instances were also negotiating with the Taliban in Doha to secure their abandonment - now we can call them what we like i.e., brave or otherwise, but situations demand a lot more nuance in assessment and can conjure diverse reactions about the handling, just like in Kandahar Hijack case. With this, I rest my views.
Brig RE Williams:
It all comes back. I was virtually handling all media operations at the DDGPI (now ADGPI), both during and post Kargil conflict and hence was privy to some of the important goings on. By the way, the media at that stage was just beginning to be recognized as the fourth dimension of warfare. Around 30 mins after take-off or thereabout, I received a call on my mobile (a reasonably rare toy in the Army at the time) from a journalist that there was a report of the Kathmandu – Delhi flight having being hijacked and at the time of the conversation was flying over Benaras.
I immediately spoke to Gen Malik, the Chief and informed him. The adhoc War Room or whatever was in the process of being activated and info flow started as I had to keep the media informed. It is true the ac was diverted to Amritsar as a last resort due to fuel shortage and not only the fuel tanker was moved to block the aircraft but I think even the Commandos reached and awaited final orders. I am sure what Gp Capt Srivastava has alluded to that the ac was permitted to take off without blocking the Amritsar runway or instructions given by someone to move the fuel tank out of the way of the ac is correct.
The ‘Who’ gave the orders remains inconclusive, but obviously it must have come from the highest authority. That certainly was sad as the ac took off to Kandahar and on landing cordoned off, and later of course, we know how and who received the hijackers at the airport tarmac and the rest is history. It was also very sad to learn that the newlyweds, I think Katyals, were killed by the terrorists. It was the same terrorist about whom we had done quite a few stories during the Kargil war was released at Jammu for the exchange deal, with our own defence minister personally flying to Kandahar for release of the passengers and crew.
I vividly remember Gen Bhopinder, who was the MS to the President, very active and always rendered great advice to the President. Sure, he would have been in the know how from the start.
Brig Pradeep Sharma
Hijacking as part of Counter Terrorism was part of the Charter given to the NSG. After the Raising of 51 SAG , the second unit 52 SAG was created in order to relieve 51 of this task and have a force dedicated for Anti Hijacking and such related threats. These are specialised operations for which the NSG trains and equips their units with the required wherewithal. This includes models of aircraft, simulation of scenario, gadgets and methods of entry as well as training of Sky Marshals. Interestingly, these individuals are also trained and allowed looks that enable / facilitate their merging with passengers and prevent them from standing out like sore thumbs. Personally I feel that we require such response teams to be available at sensitive airports and the Crisis Management Team also requires well trained Psychologists who should be provided accurate details of the Hijackers, their controlling organisation/ leadership, the Government which supports or provides bases to them, their family details and countries that have influence or can be of help in negotiations. While negotiations are on, the response team needs to put their act together. In addition to external responses, the Pilot and Crew should be trained to handle such situations and also have sufficient expertise in First Aid.
I would not like to comment / go into more details.
We released terrorists of IC - 814, thus permitting them to organize acts of terrorism against our country and extend the life of Pak Sponsored Support on Kashmir as well!
Given the turbulent neighborhood, one cannot predict that such hijacking will not take place on our soil or against our assets once again, and hence we need to be prepared with our responses for all possible contingencies.
Editor's Concluding Note
This coverage has brought out some interesting angles to the Kandahar hijacking of IC 814, as recalled by our senior veterans who were involved in this event in some capacity while in service for or media coverage of the hijacking or for countering such threats as part of our Counter Terrorism mechanism in the country . Collectively, these responses give a good insight into the actual happenings . Future hijackings in India or anywhere in the world could be viewed against this backdrop
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