New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar offered a compelling personal account on Friday, detailing his unique vantage point during a hijacking incident in 1984. Speaking at a community event in Geneva, Jaishankar elaborated on how he experienced the crisis from both sides: as a young government officer managing the situation and as a concerned family member.Personal connection to the 1984 hijackingDuring the event, Jaishankar addressed questions about the recently released Netflix series, IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack, which portrays the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC-814. The series has been criticized for its negative depiction of government response. Although Jaishankar admitted he had not watched the series, he shared his own dramatic encounter with a hijacking incident.In July 1984, an Indian Airlines flight was hijacked from Pathankot and diverted to Dubai. Jaishankar recounted how, as a young officer, he was deeply involved in managing the crisis while simultaneously being part of the anxious family pressing for government action. “I was actually preparing to go home to take care of my young son while my wife was at work,” Jaishankar explained. “Thats when I found out my father was on the hijacked flight. The situation was tense, but fortunately, it ended without loss of life.”#WATCH | Geneva: On IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack Netflix web series, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, I havent seen the film, so I dont want to comment. In 1984, there was a hijacking. I was a very young officer. I was part of the team which was dealing with it. After 3-4 hours of… pic.twitter.com/tGMX4MP5nl— ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024The hijacking incident of 1984On July 5, 1984, the Indian Airlines flight, which had 68 passengers and six crew members, was taken to Dubai by 12 pro-Khalistani hijackers. After over 36 hours, the hijackers surrendered, and all passengers and crew were released unharmed.Jaishankar reflected on the irony of his dual role during the incident: “On one hand, I was involved in managing the hijacking. On the other, I was also one of the family members urging the government to act swiftly. This dual perspective gave me a unique view of the situation from both sides.” S Jaishankars personal insightsThe Minister also addressed the portrayal of government responses in media and films. He humorously remarked, “Often, movies tend to make heroes look good and governments look bad. Its just how it works, and you have to accept it.” His comments were met with laughter from the audience, highlighting the often dramatic and simplified nature of media representations.S Jaishankars personal story provides a rare and insightful look into the complexities faced by those involved in critical national incidents. His experience underscores the multifaceted nature of such crises, balancing official duties with personal concerns, and offers a unique perspective on the often harsh portrayals in popular media.
