IAF pilot Abhinandan, who was captured by Pakistan Wednesday, should be released immediately. And, till he is in the custody of our neighbour, he should be treated with dignity. Though a video released by Pakistan, in which Chennai-based Abhinandan says he is being treated well by Pakistani officials, gives solace, we can’t be at peace till he returns home safe. The entire nation stands with the family of Abhinandan and the trending hash tags on social media – #SaveAbhinandan and #BringBackAbhinandan – show how much Indians love their jawans.
The Government of India should use all diplomatic channels to ensure the safe release of Abhinandan. It should make the international community pressurise Pakistan to release the pilot at the earliest. The wing commander, whose MiG 21 Bison aircraft was shot down by the Pakistan Air Force while engaged in hot pursuit to repel enemy attack Wednesday, ejected safely but landed across the Line of Control and was taken into custody by the Pakistan Army.
In the video, he shows remarkable braveness and calmness, even after he was assaulted. Abhinandan refuses to answer any question, except for giving his ID number, designation and marital status. With a cup of tea, when Abhinandan is asked which place he hails from, he replies coolly, “Am I supposed to tell you this?” and further added he is from “down south”. When asked which aircraft he was flying, Abhinandan replies, “I am not supposed to tell you this but I am sure you have found the wreckage.” He did not answer when asked what his mission was. This shows his love for the nation. Now the nation should show its love for him by ensuring his safe return.