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The 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC-814 continues to be a subject of debate, particularly after the release of a Netflix miniseries that sparked controversy surrounding the handling of the situation by the then BJP-led coalition government. AS Dulat, the former chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) during the incident, has acknowledged that mistakes were made in decision-making, particularly during the plane's refueling stop in Amritsar. He believes that a missed opportunity existed to prevent the hijacked plane from leaving Indian territory.
Dulat emphasizes that the lack of a clear decision resulted in a series of unfortunate events. He reveals that despite the plane's extended stay in Amritsar, authorities, including Punjab Police and central intelligence forces, failed to capitalize on the situation and secure its control. The former RAW chief points to a communication breakdown between various entities, specifically between the Punjab Police and Delhi. He reveals a conversation with the then Director General of Police (DGP) for Punjab, Sarabjit Singh, who expressed hesitation about taking decisive action, citing concerns about casualties and the potential for bloodshed. Dulat suggests that the Punjab Police were not adequately informed about the necessity of preventing the plane from departing Amritsar.
The former RAW chief, while acknowledging his own share of responsibility, paints a picture of a complex situation where indecisiveness and a lack of clear instructions from Delhi played a significant role in the eventual release of the hijackers and their demands. Dulat's account sheds light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics that unfolded during the crisis, highlighting the challenges of coordinating responses and making critical decisions in high-pressure situations. The incident continues to raise questions about the effectiveness of security measures and the intricate interplay of political and strategic considerations during hostage crises.
Source: IC-814 hijacking and indecisions: Former R&AW chief explains what went wrong