Prime Minister Vajpayee Calls for Birthday Program Cancellations Amid Hijacking Crisis

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has called for the cancellation of his birthday celebrations following the hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight. The hijackers, heavily armed, demanded medical assistance, water, and refuelling. Contact with Pakistan has been made, but the identity of the hijackers remains unknown.

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has urged the cancellation of all planned events to celebrate his birthday in light of the hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight today.

'In view of the grave situation, the Prime Minister has appealed to all organisers to cancel any planned celebrations for his birthday tomorrow,' an official spokesperson conveyed.

The hijackers, seeking medical aid, water, and refuelling, compelled the pilot to land the Airbus in Lahore after a brief stop in Amritsar, where four passengers were killed. Contact with Pakistani authorities has been maintained, but the hijackers' identities remain undetermined.

(With inputs from agencies.)