Congressional Statements

Pallone condemns Indian airlines hijacking

Calls for greater Indo-U.S. cooperation in fight against terrorism

Press Release
December 29, 1999

Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr., D-NJ, today strongly condemned the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight 814 and the holding of 160 passengers and crew as hostages.

Pallone, who has been one of Congress's most outspoken voices warning of the danger of the armed separatist movement operating in India's state of Jammu and Kashmir, said that the incident demonstrates the need for the U.S. to upgrade its cooperation with India on counter-terrorism efforts.

"At this time, our foremost thoughts are with the hostages and their families," Pallone said. "I appeal to the hijackers to release the passengers and crew, and I urge the Taliban authorities to play a helpful role in bringing this crisis to a peaceful conclusion.

"This incident is another reminder of the threat that terrorism poses to all democracies. India and the United States have both been particularly targeted by Osama bin-Laden and the loose network of militant forces who share his goals. This is a further indication of the need for increased partnership between the U.S. and India in identifying the shared threats we face and devising ways to protect our citizens in ways consistent with open, democratic societies."

Pallone said the current hostage situation is linked to the militant movement waging a campaign of terror and violence against both military and civilian targets in an effort to end Indian governance of Kashmir. Pakistan has acknowledged its " political and moral" support for the separatist movement, but Pallone has frequently charged that Pakistan's support goes far deeper. The U.S. State Department has described the Harakat-ul-Mujahudeen as an "Islamic militant group based in Pakistan." One of the hijackers' demands is the release of the organization's General Secretary, Masood Azhar, who hails from Pakistan.

"I hope this incident will alert the world to the threat India faces from this terrorist movement," Pallone said. "I believe that Pakistan must be held accountable for contributing to this violence and instability. There should be more pressure brought to bear on Pakistan to be part of the solution, instead of continuing to exacerbate this problem."