IAF Pilot Abhinandan Varthaman release live: No Beating Retreat ceremony at Attari-Wagah border
Indian Air Force Pilot Abhinandan Varthman Reaches Wagah Border; Will Enter India Shortly
Release of the Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthman held captive by Pakistan since Wednesday, has been released as a “peace gesture” by the Pak Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthman is returning back to India with full dignity and honor. He will enter India via land route from Wagah Border in Amritsar, Punjab. The security has been stepped up for his welcome. Also, the Retreat ceremony at the Wagah Border is cancelled keeping his security in mind.
Crash landing of Mig-21
Abhinandan Varthman drowned his plane into enemy territory due to a technical glitch. He was chasing the F-16 fighter jet that crossed the LOC in violation of Indian air space. Wing Commander Abhinandan chased the F-16 in his Mig-21 outdated jet but he was successful in pushing the enemy plane back to Pakistan.
The Mig-21 “Bison”, Abhinandan was flying crashed into POK but the pilot Abhinandan Varthman was safe. He ejected out of the drowning jet and landed safely in the enemy territory. But he was not safe in that country.
Captivity
It was local villagers that first saw Abhinandan Varthman ejecting from the jet. They rushed to see him and chased him on finding that he is an Indian. He was bruised and hit with stones but Abhinandan maintained restraint by not hitting back with his service pistol. Meanwhile he damaged all the sensitive documents he had in his pocket. Later he was handed over to Pakistan military.
When in the captivity, Pakistan army released pictures of Abhinandan Varthman. The earlier pictures showed him blindfolded and injured but later he was seen sipping coffee with officers. He addressed the nation in good mood and assured that he was in safe hands.
Release
Indian government summoned Deputy High Commission of Pakistan Syed Haider Shah to convey the message that Pakistan respect the dignity of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthman and give him safe passage to India.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said in parliament that the government was releasing captive IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthman in a peace gesture.
Welcome home
Turning down India’s request to send Abhinandan Varthman via aerial route, Pakistan choose to send him through land route from Wagah Border. By the time of writing the news, he has reached Wagah and undergoing medical checkup before finally entering India. The top Indian Air Force officials have reached Wagah to receive Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthman.