(a)
whether the Government`s attention has been drawn to the press reports that India has become a `Soft State` in the aftermath of the recent hijack of Indian Airlines plane; and
(b)
if so, the reaction of the Government thereto?
(a)
whether the Government`s attention has been drawn to the press reports that India has become a `Soft State` in the aftermath of the recent hijack of Indian Airlines plane; and
(b)
if so, the reaction of the Government thereto?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI AJIT KUMAR PANJA)
(a) Government have seen the reports appearing in the national media.
(b) In handling the situation arising from the hijacking Government set for itself clear priorities. These were: (a) the earliest termination of the hijacking; (b) the safe return of the passenger, crew and aircraft; and (c) safeguarding national security. The manner in which the termination of the hijacking was secured met the priorities that the Government had set out. The hijacking of IC-814 has only made stronger Government`s resolve to combat the menace of terrorism.