IAF pilot Abhinandan to be awarded with highest military award

Indian Air Force’s (IAF) pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman who was shot down by Pakistan Air force when he tried to enter Pakistani Air spcae in his MiG-21 Bison, to be awarded top Military honor Vir Chakra on 15^th August .

The Vir Chakra is the third highest wartime military award in India.

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who had been shot and and later captured  by Pakistan and subsequently released later at the Wagah border.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan Air Force shot down two Indian aircraft inside Pakistani airspace on February 27. One of the aircraft fell inside Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) while other fell inside Indian occupied Kashmir (IoK). One Indian pilot arrested by troops on ground while two in the area.

Arrested Indian Pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan has also thanked Pakistan Army for treating him well.

In a statement released, he said that Pakistan Army has treated him with great hospitality, adding that; India should learn the professionalism from them.

While responding to a question inquiring if the Indian pilot is being treated well in Pakistan, Abhinandan responded: “Yes, I have been. And I would like to put this on record that I will not change my statement if I go back to my country also.”

He said that the Pakistan Army officers have looked after him very well and they were thorough gentlemen, starting ‘from the captain who rescued him from the enraged mob’. When asked where the IAF pilot hails from, Abhinandan said that he was from ‘down South’.

While responding to a question to describe the aircraft he was flying, the captured Indian pilot said: “I am sorry, I am not supposed to tell you this, but I am sure you have found the wreckage.” He also refused to answer when asked about the nature of his mission.