Ex-RAW Chief Reveals 'Goof-Ups' and Indecision During IC 814 Hijack; Blames ISI Involvement
News Article:
The 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC 814 has resurfaced in public discourse following the release of a Netflix mini-series, sparking fresh controversy over the government's handling of the crisis. Former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief AS Dulat, who held the position during the incident, admitted to significant errors in decision-making.
Key Highlights:
Netflix Series Triggers Debate: The release of a mini-series on Netflix about the IC 814 hijacking has reignited discussions about the incident and the government's response.
Critical Decision-Making Failures: AS Dulat, the ex-RAW chief, admitted that there were significant "goof-ups" during the handling of the hijack, particularly when the plane was grounded in Amritsar for refueling. He emphasized that the aircraft should have been prevented from leaving Indian territory, but indecision allowed it to escape.
Missed Opportunity in Amritsar: Despite the plane being on the ground in Amritsar for 50 minutes, authorities failed to act decisively. Dulat revealed that a lack of clear instructions and the fear of potential casualties led to the plane being allowed to leave, which eventually forced the government into a difficult negotiation.
Punjab DGP's Reluctance: Dulat recounted a conversation with then-Punjab DGP Sarabjit Singh, who was hesitant to take action without explicit orders from Delhi. The DGP expressed concerns about bloodshed and the potential consequences of storming the plane, leading to further delays in decision-making.
ISI's Role in the Hijack: Dulat confirmed that Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) played a crucial role in the hijacking. He cited reports, including those from a Pakistani journalist present in Kandahar, that highlighted ISI's involvement in orchestrating and controlling the operation.
Legacy of the Incident: The IC 814 hijacking remains a significant event in Indian history, and the recent Netflix series has brought renewed attention to the challenges faced by the government and intelligence agencies in managing such a high-stakes crisis.