Advani knew Kandahar key decisions: Ex-NSA leader

New Delhi, Aug 27: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader LK Advani was aware of key decisions related to1999-2000 hijacking of an Indian Airlines plane to Kandahar, Afghanistan, said former National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra on Thursday, Aug 26.

He also rejected the view that Advani did not know that a Cabinet Minister would be flying to Kandahar to secure the release of the hostages in exchange for the three most wanted terrorists.

"LK Advani knew all about the IC-814 hijacking. Advani agreed to send the plane to Kandahar to free the hostages. The terrorists had threatened to kill all the 160 passengers onboard. Advani knew that Jaswant (Singh) was on the plane with the terrorists. It was one of the most difficult decisions we took," said Mishra.

He also said Advani was aware of the decision to release of the terrorists in exchange for freedom of over 160 hostages kept in the Indian Airlines plane that was hijacked.

It maybe recalled that Advani had claimed a few years ago that he did not know that Jaswant Singh was on the plane with the three dreaded terrorists to Kandahar.

ANI