Capt Amarinder Singh Seeks PM Modi's Permission to Receive IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, Who Will Return From Pakistan Via Wagah Border Tomorrow
Pakistan PM Imran Khan, while addressing the national assembly on Thursday, announced that the Indian IAF personnel would be freed as a 'gesture of peace'.
Chandigarh, February 28: Senior Congress leader and Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's permission to receive Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman tomorrow, who would be returning back to India from Pakistan's custody via the Wagah-Attari border.
The Punjab CM issued a statement, saying that it is imperative upon him to receive the Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel being freed by Pakistan, as he is also a former member of the armed forces.
"It will be a honour for me to go and receive him, as he and his father are alumnus of the NDA as I am," said Capt Amarinder Singh on Twitter, while tagging Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Here's what he tweeted:
The Wing Commander landed in Pakistan's custody on Wednesday, after an MiG-21 Bison was shot down by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) during an aerial engagement with their Indian counterparts.
The confrontation was a result of an "unprovoked act of aggression" by PAF, which violated the Indian airspace across the LoC in a bid "to target military installations".
The IAF, however, launched a stiff counter-operation, shooting down at least two Pakistani warplanes, including the elite F-16 aircraft procured from the United States.
After India learnt that 1 IAF pilot has been arrested by Pakistan, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) used diplomatic channels to ensure his safety. A strongly-worded statement was issued yesterday, which called upon the Imran Khan government to not only ensure the Wing Commander's safe return, but treat him in accordance with the Geneva Convention.
On Thursday, the Pakistan PM, while addressing the national assembly, announced that the Indian IAF personnel would be freed as a "gesture of peace".
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 28, 2019 09:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).