Mid-Air Crisis: Indian Airlines Hijacking Ordeal

An Indian Airlines Airbus A-300 with 189 people on board was hijacked en route from Kathmandu to New Delhi by five heavily-armed individuals. The plane landed in Amritsar for refueling amidst threats to kill passengers. Indian authorities are in negotiations while security measures are in high alert.

An Indian Airlines plane en route from Kathmandu to New Delhi was hijacked by five heavily-armed men just after entering Indian airspace. The Airbus A-300, carrying 189 people, landed at Amritsar's Raja Sansi airport for refueling.

The hijackers, armed with AK-47 rifles, grenades, and revolvers, threatened to kill passengers if refueling did not begin swiftly. They reportedly demanded that the aircraft be flown to Lahore. Security at Amritsar airport has been heightened, and the police have cordoned off the area.

Indian authorities, including Civil Aviation Minister Sharad Yadav, are in touch with Pakistani counterparts for crisis management. Meanwhile, a special control room has been set up at Indira Gandhi International Airport to provide information to anxious relatives.

(With inputs from agencies.)