Abhinandan Returns: 'Recording of video ahead of release led to inadvertent delay'
As the long wait to freedom ended for IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman last night, India rejoiced and relieved with his return from Pakistan’s captivity after two days.
Handed over to Indian officials at 9:20 pm IST and dressed in civilian clothes, Abhinandan walked in through the Wagah-Attari border and was immediately taken into the convoy led by the Indian Air Force officials, away from the media.
As per a report published in the PTI, the IAF Pilot Abhinandan’s return was delayed twice by the Pakistani officials as he was asked by the officials to record a video before crossing over, where he had to narrate the incident and the entire episode of his trivial story.
Welcome Home Wing Commander Abhinandan!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 1, 2019
The nation is proud of your exemplary courage.
Our armed forces are an inspiration for 130 crore Indians.
Vande Mataram!
The 1 minute 30 seconds video was carried by almost all the Pakistan media channels which had more than 15 cuts in it. “Recording of his video message caused a delay in his handing over,” said the source.
In the purported video released by Pakistan, IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan said, “I was in search of the target when your (Pakistan) Air Force shot me down. I had to eject the plane which had sustained damage. As soon as I ejected and when my parachute opened and I fell down, I had a pistol with me.”
In the aerial warfare between India and Pakistan, the MiG 21 Bison being flown by Abhinandan was shot down and he had landed up in PoK. On his return to India, PM Narendra Modi tweeted, “Welcome Home Wing Commander Abhinandan! The nation is proud of your exemplary courage. Our armed forces are an inspiration for 130 crore Indians. Vande Mataram!”
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First published: 2 March 2019, 11:45 IST