Archive · 22 Jan 2026
1986: Death Sentences for Hijackers, Cabinet Changes, and India-Pakistan Detainee Repatriation
In 1986, three Sikh men were sentenced to death for hijacking planes to Lahore in 1981 and 1984.
Seven others got life in prison, while four were let go.
The Indian Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi, added new people to his cabinet after some members resigned.
He also talked about India's clear position on Kashmir, saying they won't change their mind.
Additionally, India and Pakistan made a deal to send home civilians who finished their prison terms by the end of March.
There are over 800 Indian civilians in Pakistan who might come back home.
Three Sikh hijackers received death sentences for hijacking Indian Airlines flights to Lahore in 1981 and 1984.
Seven other hijackers were sentenced to life imprisonment, while four were acquitted.
Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi inducted P Shiv Shankar and Chandra Shekhar Singh into the Union Cabinet.
Rajiv Gandhi reaffirmed India's clear and non-negotiable position on Kashmir.
India and Pakistan agreed to repatriate each other's civilian detainees by March 31, 1986.
- Who
- Three Sikh hijackers, Union Cabinet members, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, India and Pakistan
- What
- Death sentences for hijackers, cabinet changes, statements on Kashmir, detainee repatriation agreement
- When
- January 21, 1986, with references to hijackings in 1981 and 1984, and repatriation by March 31
- Where
- India, Pakistan, New Delhi
- Why
- Hijackers were sentenced for their crimes; cabinet changes followed resignations; India's stance on Kashmir; agreement to repatriate detainees
- Hijackers Sentenced
- Three Sikh hijackers received death sentences, seven received life imprisonment.
- Hijacking Incidents
- Involved in the hijacking of two Indian Airlines flights to Lahore in 1981 and 1984.
- Cabinet Changes
- P Shiv Shankar and Chandra Shekhar Singh inducted into the Union Cabinet.
- Kashmir Issue
- Rajiv Gandhi stated India's position on Kashmir is clear and non-negotiable.
- Detainee Repatriation
- India and Pakistan agreed to repatriate civilian detainees by March 31.
- Indian Detainees in Pakistan
- Estimated over 800 Indian civilian detainees in Pakistan.
