Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE SISTER of a hostage on board the hijacked jet was last night preparing flying from Britain to the sub-continent to be with her family, as negotiations continue to end the siege.
Kamaljeet Rehal, from Birmingham, is waiting for a visa before flying to New Delhi where her relatives are mounting a round-the-clock vigil at the city's airport. Her brother, 31, a community worker, who lives in India, is spending his sixth day on board the A300 Airbus.
Mrs Rehal's brother, whom the family do not want to name for fear of repercussions, was returning from a business trip when the hijack occurred.
The Indian Airlines jet with 160 people on board is at Kandahar airport in Afghanistan where Indian officials are negotiating with the hijackers.
Yesterday Mrs Rehal's husband, Gurmeet, told reporters that the family in Britain and India was "devastated" by the news and that was a deciding factor in his wife's decision to join relatives.
"My wife is flying out to New Delhi to be with her family. She wants to be with them. Her heart is with them. We're just waiting for a visa to come through," he said.
"It's been pretty sombre over the last few days. Our Christmas just died the moment we heard the news. One minute we were laughing and joking and listening to music, then we were watching the news."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments