New Delhi, February 28: After the news surfaced that Pakistan will release the Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot tomorrow who was captured on Wednesday, Indians expressed relief on the decision. The announcement was made by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, while addressing the national assembly on Thursday. Calling it a "peace gesture", Khan said his country would be freeing the captured IAF pilot as it is a votary of peaceful ties with India.

Twitter has been flooded with congratulatory messages welcoming the Pakistan government’s decision to release the Indian pilot. Netizens including several Indian politicians expressed happiness. MEA Strongly Objects to Pakistan's 'Vulgar Display' of Injured IAF Personnel, Calls it Violation of Geneva Convention.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh said, “I'm very happy, I had demanded his release earlier too. This is going to be a step towards goodwill and I hope this will be lasting.”

West Bengal CM and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee also welcomed the decision. She took to Twitter to express her happiness. Banerjee tweeted, “Along with his family members and all our countrymen, we are anxiously waiting for the safe return of our pilot #Abhinandhan.”

Puducherry Governor Kiran Bedi also tweeted expressing her happiness. She said, “Indian IAF Fighter Pilot #Abhinandan held captive comes back home tom. 🙏 for India’s firm stand and international glare.”

Business and Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s brother-in-law Robert Vadra also reacted to the release of the IAF pilot. He said, “It is the best news for his family and every citizen of India..."

A day after the IAF destroyed Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Pakistan’s Balakot, the Pakistan Air Force on Wednesday violated the Indian air space. In the ensuing battle, one Pakistan F-16 fighter jet was shot down. Meanwhile, In the engagement, India also lost one Mig-21 Bison. After which Pakistan claimed to have captured the IAF pilot. In the evening on Wednesday the Ministry of External Affairs also Pakistan’s claims.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 28, 2019 06:01 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).