Controversy Erupts Over Netflix Series on 1999 Indian Plane Hijacking
A new Netflix series about the 1999 hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight has sparked a heated debate in India, with critics accusing the show of distorting facts and misrepresenting historical events. The controversy centers around the use of aliases for the hijackers, which has led to accusations of misleading the audience.
Netflix Series on Kandahar Hijacking Faces Backlash Over Hijacker Aliases
A Netflix series titled IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, directed by Anubhav Sinha, has ignited controversy in India over its portrayal of the 1999 hijacking of an Indian passenger plane. The series recounts the events surrounding the hijacking of a Kathmandu-Delhi flight, which was diverted to Taliban-controlled Kandahar as the hijackers demanded the release of militants imprisoned in India.
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Use of Hindu Aliases for Hijackers Sparks Debate
The controversy arose after viewers on social media criticized the series for using common Hindu names, such as Bhola and Shankar, as aliases for the hijackers, who were in fact Pakistani nationals with Muslim names. This choice has led to accusations that the series misrepresents the hijackers’ identities, potentially misleading viewers into thinking that Hindus were responsible for the hijacking.
Government and Public Reaction
Reports suggest that the Indian government summoned Netflix for a discussion regarding the issue. Additionally, a right-wing Hindu organization has filed a petition in a Delhi court seeking a ban on the series, accusing the filmmakers of distorting historical facts. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Amit Malviya also criticized the series, claiming that it could lead people to believe that Hindus were involved in the hijacking Controversy.
Defenders Cite Historical Accuracy
On the other hand, some have defended the series, arguing that it accurately reflects the events as they unfolded. A statement from India’s Home Ministry in 2000 confirmed that the hijackers used such aliases during the hijacking to communicate. Survivors and journalists who covered the incident have also corroborated these details, stating that the hijackers addressed each other using these names.
Previous Backlash Against Streaming Platforms
This incident is not the first time that international streaming platforms have faced backlash in India. Earlier this year, Netflix had to remove a Tamil-language film after hard-line Hindu organizations objected to certain scenes. In 2021, the cast and crew of Amazon Prime’s show Tandav issued an apology following accusations of mocking Hindu deities.