Controversy Erupts Over 'IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack' Web Series

The web series 'IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack', directed by Anubhav Sinha, has provoked controversy over its depiction of the 1999 hijacking incident. CPI(M) leader Subhashini Ali criticized the opposition, alleging it fears exposing the release of terrorists during Atal Bihari Vajpayee's term. Netflix faces social media backlash.

In the wake of the controversy surrounding the web series 'IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack', CPI(M) leader Subhashini Ali on Tuesday accused 'Sanghis' of objecting to the series out of fear that the younger generation would learn about the release of terrorists by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.

The web series, directed by Anubhav Sinha, premiered on Netflix on August 29. It has sparked debate due to its portrayal of the hijackers of an Indian Airlines flight from Kathmandu to Delhi, with some viewers criticizing the supposedly 'humane' depiction of the perpetrators.

Social media has been flooded with hashtags like #BoycottNetflix and #IC814, with users alleging that the filmmakers altered the names of the hijackers to shield individuals from a particular community. In a Hindi post on X, Ali underscored that the real issue for 'Sanghis' is the series exposing the fact that, during Atal Bihari Vajpayee's regime, two terrorists were freed from jail—a decision that indirectly led to the formation of Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Monika Shergill, Netflix India's content head, met with Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju to discuss sensitivities around handling such topics. Officials voiced concerns over the depiction of terrorists, stating that no one should manipulate national sentiments. The hijacking incident left over 154 passengers and crew held hostage for eight days, ending only when hardcore terrorists were released in exchange for the hostages.

Then External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh personally escorted the freed terrorists on a special flight to Kandahar.

(With inputs from agencies.)