New Delhi: Netflix series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack has sparked significant debate due to its portrayal of the hijackers codenames. The controversy centers around the use of what some perceive as Hindu names for the Muslim terrorists who seized the Delhi-bound Indian Airlines flight from Kathmandu 25 years ago.Rakesh and Pooja Kataria, passengers on the hijacked flight in 1999, recently shared their thoughts on the Netflix series depicting the event. Rakesh chose not to watch it, saying he didnt want to relive the trauma. However, he confirmed that the series accurately portrays the events he experienced. In an interview with India Today TV, both Rakesh and Pooja discussed the series, acknowledging its truthful representation while also pointing out some inaccuracies.Passengers experiences during Kandahar hijackingRakesh and Pooja Kataria confirmed that the hijackers used Hindu aliases Bhola and Shankar, which were not their real names. Netflix accurately depicted this in the series.Pooja Kataria noted that while the series accurately showed some elements, it focused more on political aspects like negotiations between hijackers and the Indian government. However, it didnt fully capture the internal experiences of passengers. Pooja confirmed that the scene where hijackers announced the hijacking was portrayed accurately.Pooja Kataria shared her distressing experiences during the hijacking, including the killing of Rupin Katyal. She recalled the uncertainty and confusion among passengers, who thought the ordeal would be resolved quickly. Interestingly, the hijackers also initially believed the situation would be resolved fast, inquiring about water availability for only two days.Insights into hijackers behaviourIn a separate interview with ANI, Pooja discussed the terrorists behaviour further. She recalled that Burger, who had a more approachable demeanor, tried to alleviate passenger anxiety by engaging them in games like Antakshari. In contrast, the Doctor terrorist focused on converting passengers to Islam. Pooja also criticized the series portrayal, suggesting that it was primarily for entertainment purposes. She speculated that a commando operation in Amritsar might have prevented the plane from leaving India.#WATCH | Chandigarh | Following Netflixs IC 814 controversy, Pooja Kataria, a survivor of the IC-814 Kandahar hijacking says, There were 5 terrorists on board the aircraft. Half an hour after the flight took off the terrorists declared that the flight was hijacked. We were… pic.twitter.com/r2EXgHm2bA— ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2024Background on IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack ControversyThe Netflix series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, created by Anubhav Sinha, dramatizes the 1999 hijacking of a plane that was diverted from Kathmandu to Kandahar, Afghanistan. The seven-day ordeal ended with the Indian government releasing high-profile terrorists in exchange for the passengers freedom. However, the series has faced criticism for using Hindu codenames for the Muslim hijackers, including Chief, Doctor, Shankar, Bhola, and Burger.The External Affairs Ministry had previously identified the terrorists by their real names. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting summoned Netflix Indias content chief, Monika Shergill, to address concerns about the series, and she appeared before officials on Tuesday to discuss the controversial aspects.
