Netflix's latest web series, IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack, starring Vijay Varma, is receiving backlash for allegedly distorting facts and depicting the hijackers with Hindu God names. The Indian government has taken notice and summoned the content head of Netflix for a review. The public is also calling for a boycott of the series on social media. The series, based on a true event, tells the story of the longest hijacking in Indian history and stars popular actors like Naseeruddin Shah and Dia Mirza.
"IC-814 Kandahar Hijacking": Netflix Series Sparks Controversy Amid Allegations of Distortion
Background
In December 1999, Indian Airlines Flight IC-814 was hijacked by five Pakistani militants while en route from Kathmandu, Nepal, to New Delhi, India. The hijackers, armed with knives, bombs, and grenades, demanded the release of terror suspects held in Indian custody.
The hijacking lasted for an agonizing eight days, with the plane flying over several countries in South Asia before eventually landing in Kandahar, Afghanistan, which was then ruled by the Taliban. Indian authorities were forced to negotiate with the hijackers, eventually agreeing to release three jailed militants in exchange for the safe return of the hostages.
Netflix Series and Allegations of Distortion
In December 2023, Netflix released a web series titled "IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack" based on the true events. However, the series has come under fire for alleged distortions and inaccuracies.
Critics have accused the series of:
Government Response
The Indian government has taken notice of the controversy and summoned the content head of Netflix for a review. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has reportedly sought clarification on the alleged distortions and the reasons behind the use of Hindu God names for the hijackers.
Public Outrage and Boycott Calls
The public has also expressed outrage over the perceived inaccuracies in the series, with many calling for a boycott on social media. #BoycottIC814 has become a trending hashtag, with users criticizing Netflix for its alleged bias and insensitivity.
Top 5 FAQs Related to Current and Past Events
1. Who were the hijackers of Flight IC-814? Answer: The hijackers were five Pakistani nationals belonging to the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist group.
2. Why were Hindu God names used for the hijackers in the Netflix series? Answer: The reason for this is unclear, but it has sparked outrage and accusations of religious insensitivity.
3. What was the role of the Indian government in the hijacking? Answer: The Indian government initially tried to negotiate with the hijackers but later agreed to their demands to release jailed militants in exchange for the hostages.
4. How did the hijacking end? Answer: The hijacking ended with the release of the hostages in exchange for three jailed militants.
5. What is the public reaction to the Netflix series? Answer: The series has sparked controversy and outrage, with many calling for a boycott due to alleged distortions and inaccuracies.
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