Rajyavardhan Rathore Prays For Early Return of 'IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman', Taken Into Custody by Pakistan

New Delhi, February 27: With New Delhi admitting that an Indian Air Force personnel has been captured by the Pakistani forces, the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on Wednesday confirmed that IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman is in Pakistan's custody. Rathore in a Twitter post showed his concern for the well being of Abhinandan and his safe return. MEA Strongly Objects to Pakistan's 'Vulgar Display' of Injured IAF Personnel, Calls it Violation of Geneva Convention.

While condemning, the Bharatiya Janata Party leader stated that the wing commander served the nation by defending it with total disregard to his personal safety. The Union Minister also prayed for his well-being and early return. "As an Air warrior, Wg Cdr Abhinandan Varthaman served the nation by defending it with total disregard to his personal safety. As a nation we pray for his continuous well being and early return," Rathore said in a Twitter post. Pakistan Does a U-Turn, Now Says 'Only 1 IAF Pilot In Custody'.

Tweet by Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore:

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) earlier in a statement confirmed that one IAF personnel has been captured by Pakistani forces. The MEA has called upon Islamabad to treat IAF commander in accordance with the Geneva Conventions.

"India also strongly objected to Pakistan’s vulgar display of an injured personnel of the Indian Air Force in violation of all norms of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Convention," the statement reads.

"It was made clear that Pakistan would be well advised to ensure that no harm comes to the Indian defence personnel in its custody. India also expects his immediate and safe return," it further added.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 27, 2019 11:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).