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The chilling events of the 1999 IC-814 hijacking have once again come to the forefront, this time sparked by a Netflix series depicting the incident. While the series, 'IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack,' has garnered praise for its portrayal, it has also ignited controversy due to its alteration of the hijackers' identities, prompting a wave of criticism from survivors and those involved in the incident.
Pooja Kataria, a survivor of the hijacking, shared her harrowing experience with news agencies, detailing the chilling ordeal she and her husband, newly-weds on their honeymoon, endured on that fateful flight. Kataria recounted how the hijackers, led by a figure known as 'Burger', instilled fear and terror among the passengers. Despite the fear, 'Burger' surprisingly exhibited a seemingly friendly demeanor at times, even engaging passengers in games of 'Antakshari' during the flight.
Kataria's story highlights a stark contrast in the hijackers' personalities. While 'Doctor' delivered speeches on converting to Islam, 'Burger' offered a shawl to Kataria as a birthday gift, writing a message on it that she has kept as a symbol of their survival. This act of kindness, however, does not negate the gravity of their actions, highlighting the complex and multifaceted nature of human behavior even in the face of extreme violence.
The controversy surrounding the Netflix series stems from its alteration of the hijackers' real names. While the series claims to use codenames, critics argue that these names are intentionally misleading, particularly considering the hijackers were identified as Muslims from Pakistan. This perceived 'whitewashing' of their identities has drawn significant backlash, leading to accusations of historical distortion and cultural insensitivity.
Anil Sharma, the head cabin crew member on the IC-814 flight, expressed his discomfort with the series, pointing out the inaccuracies in the portrayal of the crew members. He emphasized that the crew's names were also changed, and some were even omitted from the narrative altogether. Sharma questioned the timing of the disclaimer added by Netflix acknowledging the real names of the hijackers, wondering why it was only after the public outcry over Hindu sentiments being hurt that the correction was made.
The IC-814 hijacking remains a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and security. The incident serves as a powerful testament to the courage and resilience of the victims, as well as the profound impact of terrorism on individuals and societies. The debate surrounding the Netflix series underscores the importance of historical accuracy and sensitivity in depicting such sensitive events, recognizing that while entertainment value is essential, it should not come at the expense of truth and respect for those impacted.
Source: ‘Some Were Having Panic Attacks': IC 814 Passenger Who Got Hijacker's Shawl Recalls Experience