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The harrowing tale of the 1999 Indian Airlines flight IC 814 hijacking has resurfaced with the release of the Netflix series 'IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack'. While the series has sparked controversy for its portrayal of the hijackers, a survivor's account reveals chilling details about the ordeal, shedding light on the hijackers' attempts to convert the passengers to Islam. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to the already tragic narrative, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the hijacking beyond its political and security implications.
Pooja Kataria, one of the survivors, recounted how Shakir, one of the hijackers known by the code name 'Doctor,' repeatedly urged the passengers to embrace Islam. He delivered several speeches, emphasizing the virtues of Islam and portraying it as superior to Hinduism. Kataria revealed that these speeches, delivered in an eloquent and convincing manner, almost swayed the hostages. Another passenger confirmed the presence of these speeches, indicating a concerted effort by the hijackers to proselytize during their captivity.
The hijacking itself unfolded under the shadow of the Taliban's control of Afghanistan, where the plane was eventually taken. The hijackers, with their ties to the Taliban, invoked the image of a war-torn nation to solicit charity from the passengers. The passengers, fearing for their lives, complied and collected Rs 85,000, handing it over to the hijackers. While the Indian government classified all five hijackers as Pakistani nationals, their connection to the Taliban and their use of Afghanistan as a pretext for extortion raises questions about their motivations and the complexities of the political landscape in the region.
Shakir, the same individual who attempted to convert the passengers, also carried out the gruesome act of killing Rupin Katyal, the sole fatality of the hijacking. Katyal, a newlywed returning from his honeymoon in Nepal, was brutally murdered by Shakir, his body later disposed of in Dubai. This juxtaposition of Shakir's persuasive sermons with his brutal actions paints a disturbing picture of the hijackers' psyche and their multifaceted approach to achieving their objectives. The hijacking not only showcased the desperation and cruelty of the perpetrators but also underscored the power of religion and ideology as tools of control and manipulation.
The Netflix series 'IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack' has stirred debate about the accurate representation of the hijackers, with critics accusing the series of downplaying their religious identity. However, the survivor's account, highlighting the hijackers' attempts to convert the passengers, adds a new dimension to the narrative, reminding us of the multifaceted nature of the hijacking and its lasting impact on the lives of those involved. The revelation underscores the importance of examining historical events through multiple lenses, recognizing the complexity of motivations and the diverse strategies employed by perpetrators.
Source: IC 814 hijacker, who killed Rupin Katyal, tried to convert passengers to Islam