Controversy Surrounds Netflix Series on IC-814 Hijacking

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in India has requested an explanation from the content head of Netflix India regarding the recently released series titled IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack. The series, which premiered on August 29, 2024, has sparked controversy over its portrayal of the hijackers involved in the historic incident.

A senior official confirmed that Netflix India’s content head may be required to appear before the Ministry to clarify the representation of the hijackers, particularly since the series depicts them with Hindu names, which has raised concerns among viewers. Former Union Minister and BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar emphasized that the hijacking was clearly carried out by terrorists backed by Pakistan’s ISI and criticized the misleading portrayal in the series.

In a response to the controversy, former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah commented on social media, highlighting the irony of those who previously endorsed the film Kashmir Files now demanding accuracy in the depiction of the events surrounding the hijack.

The six-episode series has reportedly used pseudonyms for the hijackers, such as “chief”, “doctor”, and “burger.” Official government records state that the actual names of the hijackers were Ibrahim Athar, Shahid Akhtar Sayed, Sunny Ahmed Qazi, Mistri Zahoor Ibrahim, and Shakir, all of whom were identified as residents of Pakistan.

Following the release of the series, a significant backlash ensued on social media, where audiences criticized the creators for allegedly misrepresenting key details of the hijacking. Some users have called for a boycott of the series, accusing the filmmakers of obscuring the real identities of the terrorists and modifying the factual narrative.

The event depicted in the series took place on December 24, 1999, when Indian Airlines flight IC-814 was hijacked shortly after its departure from Kathmandu. The flight was diverted to Kandahar, Afghanistan, where terrorists released some passengers after the Indian government negotiated with them, ultimately releasing three prominent terrorists in exchange for the hostages.