HIJACKING OF INDIAN AIRLINER A COWARDLY ACT OF TERRORISM -- ALTAF HUSSAIN

London - 28 December 1999

Mr. Altaf Hussain, founder and leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) condemned the hijacking of the Indian Airliner as cowardly and an act of terrorism. He further stated that this case of hijacking should be thoroughly investigated and whosoever is directly or indirectly involved in this hijacking or behind the curtains should not only be exemplarly punished but the shroud of conspiracy must also be unveiled.

Mr Altaf Hussain emphasized this cowardly act deserves severe condemnation and the United Nations and the superpowers particularly the United States of America who claim to be against all sorts of terrorism should not only be severely condemn but intervene to resolve this humanitarian issue, sooner than later, before further blood of innocent passengers is spilled.

Mr Altaf Hussain expressed his concerns over the lives of the passengers who have been made hostages and going through trauma. Indian Government should look into their ordeal and seriously consider this matter not on political grounds but on humanitarian grounds. He said that even though this is an internal matter of India but however, he suggested, that releasing of one person to save the lives of one hundred and sixty would not be an expensive bargain. Finally, he said it would be however, against all international norms accept the demands of the hijackers but that in turn will save one hundred and sixty lives which will be in conformity with humanitarian norms.

Mr Altaf Hussain termed the views of alleging Indian government or its agency’s involvement in the hijacking of Indian airliner as totally wrong.