Amritsar, March 1: Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman on Friday returned to India from Pakistan via Attari-Wagah Border. He was received by Border Securoty Force and IAF officials at the border. After his arrival, a wave of relief spread across the country. The IAF pilot returned to India two days after he was taken into custody by Pakistan Army following the crash of his MiG-21 Bison aircraft. Before getting hit, the IAF officer shot down a Pakistani F-16 while it tried to violate Indian airspace.

Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor while addressing a media at the Attari border said, "Wing Commander #AbhinandanVarthaman has been handed over to us. He will now be taken for a detailed medical checkup because he had to eject from an aircraft. IAF is happy to have him back."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top political leaders and celebrities expressed happiness on the return of Wg Cd Varthaman to India. PM Modi hailed the IAF officer for his bravery. he tweeted, "Welcome Home Wing Commander Abhinandan! The nation is proud of your exemplary courage. Our armed forces are an inspiration for 130 crore Indians. Vande Mataram!"

Punjab Chief Minister welcomed the return of the IAF officer. He said, “I wholeheartedly welcome #AbhinandanVartaman back home. Though I would have loved to go and receive him, I did not do so in view of the existing Defence protocols. Hope to see you soon officer!” Pakistan Court Rejects Plea to Stop Indian Pilot Abhinandan Varthaman’s Release.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah also lauded the IAF officer for his bravery. He tweeted, " Dear Wing Commander Abhinandan, entire nation is proud of your courage and valour. India is glad to have you back. May you continue to serve the nation and IAF with unparalleled passion and dedication. Best wishes for your bright future."

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee also expressed happiness. in one her tweets, she said, “Welcome home #AbhinandanVarthaman Welcome home sweet home.”

Former Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav Tweeted, “I look forward to welcoming braveheart Wing Commander Abhinandan home. We will never forget the supreme sacrifice of our brave martyrs and their families. Pak should walk the talk on dismantling it's home grown terror networks. I hope that peace prevails.”

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal also expressed joy on the return of the IAF pilot. He tweeted, “Welcome back Wing Commander Abhinandan. I salute your bravery and the courage of your family. India is proud of you.”

Indian Cricket Captain Virat Kohli also expressed relief over the IAF pilot's return. He posted a picture of the Wing Commander with a caption, "Real hero. I bow down to you. Jai Hind 🙏🙏🇮🇳🇮🇳"

 

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Real hero. I bow down to you. Jai Hind 🙏🙏🇮🇳🇮🇳

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On February 28, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan announced that they have decided to release Wg Cd Abhinandan Varthaman on Friday as a "peace gesture". The IAF pilot's Mig-21 Bison crashed in Pakistan Occupies territory while engaging Pakistan fighter jets which attempted to violate Indian airspace on February 27. In the engagement, he also shot down Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jet.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 01, 2019 10:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).