India insisted immediate and safe return of its AF Pilot Abhinandhan captured by Pakistan after an aerial confrontation on Wednesday. It protested against the neighbouring country’s sleazy display of injured defence personnel and said that Pakistan has violated international norms.
Summoning Pakistan’s Acting High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah, India has lodged a rightful protest at unprovoked aggression by Pakistan which included the targeting of military posts. The External Affairs Ministry said the envoy was clearly told that India reserves the right to take firm and decisive action to protect its national security.
External Affairs Ministry has also said that India has made it clear to Pakistan that no harm should be caused to the Indian defence personnel.
Pakistan captured Wing Commander Abhinandan following a fierce tussle between air forces of the two sides along the Line of Control in which a Pakistani jet was downed. IAF also lost a MIG 21 jet in the engagement.
Soon later, Pakistan Army released a video showing the pilot blindfolded and identifying himself as ‘Abhinandan’, a flying pilot with the IAF.
In its well worded statement, the MEA said India has strongly objected to Pakistan’s horrific display of injured personnel of the Indian Air Force in contrast to all the norms of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Convention.
The MEA said it was made clear that Pakistan would be well advised to ensure that no harm comes to the Indian defence personnel in its custody. He also added that India also expects his immediate and safe return.
The MEA protested strongly against the unprovoked act of aggression by Pakistan against India, including by violation of the Indian air space and targeting of Indian military posts.
The Pakistani air force action came a day after the IAF smashed terrorist training camps of JeM in Pakistan.
India said the Pakistani aggression had a stark contrast to the Indian non-military anti-terror pre-emptive strike at a JeM terrorist camp in Balakot on February 26″.
The MEA added that it was unfortunate that instead of fulfilling its international obligation and bilateral commitment to take credible action against terrorist entities and individuals operating from its soil, Pakistan has acted with aggression against India.
“It was clearly conveyed that India reserves the right to take firm and decisive action to protect its national security, sovereignty and territorial integrity against any act of aggression or cross-border terrorism,” said the MEA.
It said that there was regret at the blatant denial by Pakistan’s political and and military leadership at the presence of terrorist infrastructure in territories under its control.
