Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman returns home to a hero’s welcome; Pakistan hands over brave Indian pilot at Attari-Wagah border
First Published: 2nd March, 2019 17:10 IST
Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman returned home from Pakistan on Friday at around 9:20 in the evening to a hero’s welcome at the Attari-Wagah International Border Check Post, two days after
Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman returned home from Pakistan on Friday at around 9:20 in the evening to a hero’s welcome at the Attari-Wagah International Border Check Post, two days after he was captured following a dogfight when his MiG 21 was shot down.
Pakistani officials handed over Varthaman to Indian officials, including from the IAF, at the Attari-Wagah Border. However, the pilot was whisked away in a convoy by Indian officials away from the public glare.
Varthaman was captured by Pakistani authorities on February 27 after an air combat between the air forces of the two countries, a day after New Delhi had conducted counter-terror operations in Pakistan’s Balakot.
The Pakistan government was under tremendous international pressure to de-escalate the tensions with India and release the captured pilot.
Briefing the media at Attari-Wagah border, Air Vice Marshal Ravi Gopal Krishana Kapoor said that the Indian Air Force is happy to have Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman back.
Reading out a brief statement, Air Vice Marshal Kapoor, informed that the pilot will undergo a detailed medical examination as he was subjected to lot of stress during his nearly three-day captivity.
Meanwhile, taking to Twitter, reactions came in from Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with other leaders right after Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman’s return to India from Pakistan.
Following the return of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman to India, the Board of Control for Cricket in India shared a picture of a special jersey to welcome the Braveheart’s return to India.
“#WelcomeHomeAbhinandan You rule the skies and you rule our hearts. Your courage and dignity will inspire generations to come #TeamIndia,” tweeted BCCI minutes after Abhinandan had crossed the border.
Meanwhile, celebrations broke out across the country, the moment Wing Commander Abhinandan stepped onto Indian soil.
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Indian diaspora organises “Epic Hanuman Chalisa Chanting” event in Trinidad and Tobago
30th April 2024Live US: India diaspora conducts Havan for PM Modi’s resounding victory in LS elections
30th April 2024Live One arrested with cache of arms and ammunition in Nagaland
29th April 2024Live No load shedding plans yet: Meghalaya Power Minister AT Mondal
29th April 2024WE RECOMMEND
Indian diaspora organises “Epic Hanuman Chalisa Chanting” event in Trinidad and Tobago
In the event which was organised at the National Council for Indian Culture (NCIC) campus, Indian High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Pradeep Rajpurohit presided over the event as a chief guest and saw the participation of about 15000 devotees.
30th April 2024US: India diaspora conducts Havan for PM Modi’s resounding victory in LS elections
The Sudarshana Homam was held at the Sri Shiva Vishnu Temple, Sai Datta Peetham in Edison, New Jersey. During the ceremony, participants recited the Sudarshana Mantra.
30th April 2024US condemns Iraq’s law to criminalise same-sex marriage
The law threatens constitutionally protected human rights and fundamental freedoms in Iraq.
28th April 2024Five dead, 33 injured as Tornado hits Southern China
Guangzhou, a city of 19 million people in southern China, has been witnessing tornadoes at level-three intensity, two below the highest level of five.
28th April 2024High speed car accident in US: 3 women from Gujarat dead
The only survivor of the accident was reportedly injured and taken to the hospital
27th April 2024