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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar shared a deeply personal story, revealing how his father, the renowned strategic affairs expert K Subrahmanyam, was a passenger on a hijacked Indian Airlines flight in 1984. Jaishankar, then a young officer, found himself on the other side of the crisis, working within the government team tasked with handling the situation. This unique experience provided him with a nuanced perspective, witnessing the crisis from both the familial and governmental angles. He was grappling with the anxiety of his father's safety while also working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of all passengers and crew.
The incident, which involved the hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight from Pathankot and its eventual redirection to Dubai, unfolded over more than 36 hours. Despite the tense and uncertain situation, Jaishankar, as part of the government team, played a critical role in the resolution of the crisis. The hijackers, who were pro-Khalistan militants, eventually surrendered, and all passengers and crew members were released unharmed. This successful outcome was a testament to the tireless efforts of the government team, including Jaishankar, who worked around the clock to bring the crisis to a peaceful conclusion.
This experience deeply impacted Jaishankar, providing him with a firsthand understanding of the complexities and pressures involved in such situations. His dual role as both a concerned family member and a dedicated government official gave him a unique perspective on the emotional toll of a crisis, highlighting the need for empathy and understanding, even amidst the demanding work of crisis management. He described how he was simultaneously trying to comfort his mother while also working within the government team, illustrating the deeply personal nature of such events. This firsthand account offers a glimpse into the human element of crisis management, showcasing the personal sacrifices and emotional burdens faced by individuals working to resolve such critical situations.
Source: Was handling a 1984 hijacking, discovered my father was on the flight: Jaishankar