[VIDEO/PICTURES] Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman returns to India

[MenInG]

Abhinandan Return LIVE: The daily retreat and flag-lowering ceremonies have been cancelled at the Attari-Wagah border front, the BSF said hours before IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was to be released by Pakistan. A senior official of the force said the martial ceremony has been called off due to administrative requirements in the wake of the IAF pilot’s return via the frontier. The Indian Air Force will receive the Wing Commander at the Wagah border this afternoon, two days after he was captured while engaging in an aerial dogfight with Pakistani F-16s. The Wing Commander’s family reached Delhi from Chennai last evening and are now on their way to Amritsar. The Border Security Force, which is expected to stand guard during the pilot’s arrival, has not been told the “exact time and sequence” of the release.

Pakistani PM Imran Khan’s announcement on Thursday to release the IAF pilot came as a surprise amid escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed countries after an intense aerial confrontation. Khan in his parliament speech called the IAF pilot’s release “a gesture of peace.”

https://www.news18.com/

[MenInG]

Senior team of Indian Air Force to receive Wing Commander Abhinandan

Shiv Dular Singh Dhillon, the deputy commissioner of Amritsar, has said a senior team of the Indian Air Force will receive Wing Commander Abhinandan. He added that the 'Beating the Retreat' ceremony at Wagah border will not take place today.

According to News 18, civilians are being turned back from the Wagah border ahead of the pilot's release from Pakistan.

https://www.dawn.com/live-blog/

[MenInG]

New Delhi: Wing commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was taken in custody by Pakistan army on Wednesday will return to India on Friday “in consonance with the Geneva Convention”, a senior Indian officer said on Thursday evening.

While people on both sides of the border have been campaigning for his early release, it may take a while for Varthaman to return to his normal life, once he is handed over to the Indian authorities.

In order to thoroughly understand the modalities involved and the protocol followed after a Prisoner-of-War returns home, News18 spoke to a high-ranking officer on the condition of anonymity.

“He is surely a brave man. He fought Pakistani F-16 fighter jets with MiG-21 which is ages old and was built in 1970s. India respects him for his bravery. But once our man is caught in enemy territory and taken in their custody, no matter what, the person has to undergo a thorough interrogation on returning,” the senior officer said.

When News18 contacted the official spokesperson of the Indian Air Force, he said, “The official statement on the issue is silent on his status. I am not sure whether he is considered a prisoner of war,” and further directed to check with the Ministry of External Affairs on his status.

Lt Gen (Retd) HS Panag told News18 that on his return, a PoW is first disarmed and then interrogated in order to “acquire whatever information we can out of him”.

“Upon release, it depends on the country what procedures and route they want to take. There is an initial interrogation that of course happens after a warm welcome. However, after that it’s for the authorities to decide,” he said.

Listed below is a broad set of procedures that Wing Commander Abhinandan will have to undertake after returning.

1. Abhinandan will be directly taken to Indian Air Force Intelligence Unit as soon as he arrives.

2. He will be made to take several medical tests to gauge his fitness levels.

3. Scans will be conducted to check if he has been bugged by the Pakistani army.

4. The pilot will need to undergo psychological tests too. Since he has been captured by the enemy and lived through traumatic situations, defence establishment will explore possibilities of him being tortured to illicit national security secrets from him.

5. Another step, which is usually not followed, but may apply in his case is another round of questioning by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW).

“The Air Force intelligence do not usually hand their personnel for questioning to IB or R&AW. But his may be a different case,” the officer said.

“The most painful, yet mandatory step,” he added, “is debriefing to the IAF intelligence. We will have to find out what information was obtained from him during his captivity and ensure that he hasn't been recruited by the other side.”

The official said he was a close spectator of the way things were carried out when Kambampati Nachiketa, the pilot who was captured by Pakistan during the battle of Kargil, returned. He also studied the case of Air Marshal KC Nanda Cariappa, the son of the illustrious army veteran Field Marshal KM Cariappa, who also was captured by Pakistani forces in the ’65 war.

“They never spilled any beans to Pakistan when they were in captivity. But standard procedures have to be followed,” the officer added.

He further elaborated that in case Abhinandan can’t prove his physical and mental fitness, he may have to end up with a desk job. “We can’t predict what is going to happen with the brave man. But he will surely be treated with utmost respect.”

Another serving officer, who, at the moment is deployed in Punjab and did not wish to be identified, said, “He is our hero. He is the man who shot down the American pride of US (F-16) with a Russian vintage (MiG-21). There are punishments if we fail in battlefield. But this man has taken down a leading fighter jet and he will be awarded and not be punished. Small inquiries will be there, but we trust our man.”

The tri-forces of Indian Defense - Army, Air Force and Navy - addressed a press briefing on Thursday to show evidence of Wing Cdr Abhinandan having taken down a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet.

https://www.news18.com/news/india/he...f=hp_top_pos_4

[Braveheart]

No doubt he will be a Media Celebrity and set-up for life with Tea adverts.
And he may even get an IPL contract

[Madplayer]

Indian media is so shameless. Bacteria in a muddy pit have more shame than them.

[Barragan]

Stupid by Imran!!

At least ask for a ransom of a billion or two - not let him go for free.

He went around asking, but he had a golden opportunity to get money here.

[Major]

has he returned or not?

[pakistani pride]

Why all the circus and media?
They are celebrating as some kind of victory has taken place.
Did they even ask the poor guy or his famely.

I must say and not to insult anyone but India is realyy weird.

[MenInG]

Abhinandan Return LIVE: IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman has been returned to India at the Wagah-Attari border, two days after being captured by Pakistan during an intense aerial dogfight. The Wing Commander’s family reached Delhi from Chennai last evening. The Border Security Force (BSF) has cancelled today’s flag-lowering and retreat ceremony at the border in view of the IAF pilot’s to avoid tensions.

Pakistan had turned down a request by India to send back the Wing Commander by aerial route and not through the Attari-Wagah land border. Officials said hours after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan announced the decision to release Varthaman, India conveyed to Islamabad that he be sent back via the aerial route. However, late in the night, Pakistan conveyed to India that the pilot will be returned through the Attari-Wagah border and India's request could not be heeded to, the sources said.

https://www.news18.com/news/india/ab...f=hp_top_pos_1

[WebGuru]

So India wanted to dictate even in this position?

India conveyed to Islamabad that it wants him to be sent back via aerial route and not through the Wagah land border, official sources said according to news agency PTI.

Follow live updates here: https://t.co/9WUOt1Pl0p pic.twitter.com/rTt5ctPntr

— Hindustan Times (@htTweets) March 1, 2019

[Pakpak]

So India wanted to dictate even in this position?

India conveyed to Islamabad that it wants him to be sent back via aerial route and not through the Wagah land border, official sources said according to news agency PTI.

Follow live updates here: https://t.co/9WUOt1Pl0p pic.twitter.com/rTt5ctPntr

— Hindustan Times (@htTweets) March 1, 2019

Where they could probably shoot something down and blame Pakistan for killing its pilot. Who knows

[SecondSlip]

Indians are celebrating as if this guy has won them the world cup. They should just be thankful to Imran Khan for being kind.

[IMMY69]

So will the Wing Commander confirm that he was not taken down by an F-16?

[a_tahir]

So will the Wing Commander confirm that he was not taken down by an F-16?

Imagine.
That would be bants

[Abdullah719]

How proud we are to have you ! Bow down to your skills and even more your grit and courage �� #WelcomeBackAbhinandan . We love you and are filled with pride because of you.#WeAreSupposedToTellYouThis pic.twitter.com/IfqBFNNa3T

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) March 1, 2019

[WhenSultansBowled]

Well, now that's over.

I am glad that he is in India.

I support Pakistan's valiant decision.

Nerves should calm now and let's pray for peace

[Hbomb00]

Never seen so much shameless media in my entire life. They are celebrating his return as if he has conquered something

[a_tahir]

Well, now that's over.

I am glad that he is in India.

I support Pakistan's valiant decision.

Nerves should calm now and let's pray for peace

He hasn't been handed over yet.

[Sycamore]

You gotta give it to india , a few CGI clips on the news and they are celebrating this as a victory.

[GLORY OF '92]

You gotta give it to india , a few CGI clips on the news and they are celebrating this as a victory.

Of course they are. This will be shown soon as an awful mistake by Pakistan.

[cricketjoshila]

Indians are celebrating as if this guy has won them the world cup. They should just be thankful to Imran Khan for being kind.

Following law isnt being kind.

[PetroDollars]

only in india does the army or solider return home after a failed mission and being saved by the enemy become a hero, no wonder they have become use to failures

[IMMY69]

Following law isnt being kind.

So should they hold on to the soldier for another week?

[Adijazz1706]

Following law isnt being kind.

What law?

[Hbomb00]

So he is a hero now?LOL

[Hbomb00]

Hasan Siddiqui is the real hero !!!

[CricketCartoons]

What law?

The Universal and Fundamental Law that India is always right and stands for peace, cooperation, humanity, justice and universal brotherhood. Also the corollary that its neighbours are evil.

[Hbomb00]

Following law isnt being kind.

Just go home kid, you seem to be 12 year old boy.

[Adijazz1706]

The Universal and Fundamental Law that India is always right and stands for peace, cooperation, humanity, justice and universal brotherhood. Also the corollary that its neighbours are evil.

We've missed you badly brother, hilarious as always

[Hbomb00]

The Universal and Fundamental Law that India is always right and stands for peace, cooperation, humanity, justice and universal brotherhood. Also the corollary that its neighbours are evil.

QOTW Lol

[ARK Rafay]

I don't think the pilot is released yet.

[Hbomb00]

On the other hand 2 more Kashmiri Civilians killed by Indian Army

[AamchiMumbaikar]

I don't think the pilot is released yet.

Yeah he is not. Still at the border, must be dark by now.

[ARK Rafay]

Yeah he is not. Still at the border, must be dark by now.

Seems like there's a delay. Maybe change of decision. Or intentional delay

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Seems like there's a delay. Maybe change of decision. Or intentional delay

His family must be super nervous and praying every second. Read somewhere that some special prayers are being held for him in Chennai.

[SecondSlip]

Following law isnt being kind.

He let PAF shoot down two IAF jets when he wanted to, you couldn't do anything. So many Indians were literally begging him to release the WC just a couple of days ago. So, just be grateful

[Salman]

Pakistan should honor the chap in the smart brown shoes who dodged this brave soldier bullets, captured then gave a kicking in that he will never ever forget.

Today should be National Brown Shoe day in Pakistan so the Indian army always remember the event!

[DRsohail]

On the other hand 2 more Kashmiri Civilians killed by Indian Army

Call it indian kashmiri which may give sum shame to the murderers .

[cricketjoshila]

What law?

Geneva convention.

[saeedhk]

India media is horrible.

Just heard this, “ Iss delay kay peechay Pakistan ki napaak chaal hai.”

So ungrateful!!!

[DRsohail]

His family must be super nervous and praying every second. Read somewhere that some special prayers are being held for him in Chennai.

And stupid media even tried their best to ignite Pakistan not to release him.His wife and children must have gone through hard times.Hope he lives his life in peace because in India i think It will be a bit more awkward for him as media will always be following him.Personally feel so happy for him being with family.Humanity is the best religion.as they say.

[cricketjoshila]

He let PAF shoot down two IAF jets when he wanted to, you couldn't do anything. So many Indians were literally begging him to release the WC just a couple of days ago. So, just be grateful

Which two jets? Lol.

1 jet was shot down on each side.

The govt said it point blank that there will be no deal on this issue.

Imran Khan confirmed that India were going to use missiles.

Pretty much shows what forced IK.

[DRsohail]

Geneva convention.

Delay for a week or two would have not that big deal,and was the war announced?I thought that was for the announced war? dunno much .You can throw light on that.

[DRsohail]

Which two jets? Lol.

1 jet was shot down on each side.

The govt said it point blank that there will be no deal on this issue.

Imran Khan confirmed that India were going to use missiles.

Pretty much shows what forced IK.

hahha Just on lighter note Pak na almaari me sajjany k liy missiles rakhay hogay,,its sounds funny.

[Hbomb00]

Delay for a week or two would have not that big deal,and was the war announced?I thought that was for the announced war? dunno much .You can throw light on that.

I think it would have been delayed for 10 days if Pak wanted. So still Indians ungrateful to IK. What if Angry mob had killed him ...

[SecondSlip]

Which two jets? Lol.

1 jet was shot down on each side.

The govt said it point blank that there will be no deal on this issue.

Imran Khan confirmed that India were going to use missiles.

Pretty much shows what forced IK.

Will for peace forced IK to release Abhi otherwise there was no other reason Pakistan was obliged to do it.

And Pakistan didn't even use F16, DG ISPR has categorically denied it.

And no, Indian Media and forces are not reliable sources.

[Hbomb00]

Which two jets? Lol.

1 jet was shot down on each side.

The govt said it point blank that there will be no deal on this issue.

Imran Khan confirmed that India were going to use missiles.

Pretty much shows what forced IK.

He cares about region maybe you don't live near LoC, you should be send to LoC with a gun for a day. Let's see what happens. Nuclear war is other thing maybe you don't know the consequences of it or you are not that mentally mature

[DRsohail]

I think it would have been delayed for 10 days if Pak wanted. So still Indians ungrateful to IK. What if Angry mob had killed him ...

Yes a deliberate delay from Pak army for 5 minutes and he was no more.

[cricketjoshila]

Delay for a week or two would have not that big deal,and was the war announced?I thought that was for the announced war? dunno much .You can throw light on that.

I am not sure but its 7days ir something thats the deadline.

I think the word used is armed conflict.

[DRsohail]

He cares about region maybe you don't live near LoC, you should be send to LoC with a gun for a day. Let's see what happens. Nuclear war is other thing maybe you don't know the consequences of it or you are not that mentally mature

@cricktJoshila was one of my favorite poster where I alwyas stop to read but he has lost it in the recent past I don not know why.

[DRsohail]

I am not sure but its 7days ir something thats the deadline.

I think the word used is armed conflict.

Thanks.

[cricketjoshila]

Will for peace forced IK to release Abhi otherwise there was no other reason Pakistan was obliged to do it.

And Pakistan didn't even use F16, DG ISPR has categorically denied it.

And no, Indian Media and forces are not reliable sources.

No will for a full scale war with India forced pakistan.Pakistan would have been forced to release him anyways after the geneva convention deadline.

DG ISPR said they had two indian pilots. Why did they later retracted?

Pakistani media and forces are not reliable either.

[cricketjoshila]

He cares about region maybe you don't live near LoC, you should be send to LoC with a gun for a day. Let's see what happens. Nuclear war is other thing maybe you don't know the consequences of it or you are not that mentally mature

If he cares about the region, let him stop the pakistan support to armed secessionist terrorist movement in India.

[Cpt. Rishwat]

@cricktJoshila was one of my favorite poster where I alwyas stop to read but he has lost it in the recent past I don not know why.

If he was one of your favourite posters then unless it was for the LOLs ( which he is a master in) then maybe it was you who had lost it earlier and found it just recently.

[cricketjoshila]

@cricktJoshila was one of my favorite poster where I alwyas stop to read but he has lost it in the recent past I don not know why.

I am sorry to have disappointed you. Esp as you are a fellow doctor.

But i speak my mind.

[DRsohail]

No will for a full scale war with India forced pakistan.Pakistan would have been forced to release him anyways after the geneva convention deadline.

DG ISPR said they had two indian pilots. Why did they later retracted?

Pakistani media and forces are not reliable either.

Yes I have been thinking about the 2nd one.Where he is?? there have been lies told on both sides no doubt about that.

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Delay for a week or two would have not that big deal,and was the war announced?I thought that was for the announced war? dunno much .You can throw light on that.

Agreed but delays would mean India who were planning for more strikes would have continued with their actions plans which IK and ISI must have sensed and wanted to avoid.

[Slog]

If he cares about the region, let him stop the pakistan support to armed secessionist terrorist movement in India.

He came stop an indigenous movement

You can see videos of hownkashmiris chanted Pakistan zindabad at Indian forces two days ago

[DRsohail]

I am sorry to have disappointed you. Esp as you are a fellow doctor.

But i speak my mind.

Its ok.Emotions sometimes can take better of us specially when you have 44 people lost in a suicidal attack.

[cricketjoshila]

Yes I have been thinking about the 2nd one.Where he is?? there have been lies told on both sides no doubt about that.

The version was that the pilot was in hospital recovering.

[DRsohail]

If he was one of your favourite posters then unless it was for the LOLs ( which he is a master in) then maybe it was you who had lost it earlier and found it just recently.

He has been one of those having sound knowledge about different things. We may agree with him or not but you have to give it to him.

[SecondSlip]

No will for a full scale war with India forced pakistan.Pakistan would have been forced to release him anyways after the geneva convention deadline.

DG ISPR said they had two indian pilots. Why did they later retracted?

Pakistani media and forces are not reliable either.

Just like Pakistan was forced to release Kulbushan Yadav? He has been in Pakistan for the last 3 years, we have taken care of him well and India couldn't do anything to get him back. Same could have happened to the pilot as he didn't come to Pakistan with a visa and it was his good luck that Imran Khan is the PM currently. So be thankful to Mr. Imran Khan.

There is no chance of a full scale war. Imran Khan is a smart man, he knows it. Modi knows it and you know it as well.

As for DG ISPR, he held a press conference just a couple of hours after capturing pilot and backed his words with evidence.

[cricketjoshila]

He came stop an indigenous movement

You can see videos of hownkashmiris chanted Pakistan zindabad at Indian forces two days ago

If its a indigenious movement then pakistan can stop money,men,support,training that flows from Pakistan to that movement. Isnt it?

[cricketjoshila]

Just like Pakistan was forced to release Kulbushan Yadav? He has been in Pakistan for the last 3 years, we have taken care of him well and India couldn't do anything to get him back. Same could have happened to the pilot as he didn't come to Pakistan with a visa and it was his good luck that Imran Khan is the PM currently. So be thankful to Mr. Imran Khan.

There is no chance of a full scale war. Imran Khan is a smart man, he knows it. Modi knows it and you know it as well.

As for DG ISPR, he held a press conference just a couple of hours after capturing pilot and backed his words with evidence.

Kulbhushan isnt covered by geneva convention sir.WC Abhinandan is.

[Hbomb00]

If he cares about the region, let him stop the pakistan support to armed secessionist terrorist movement in India.

Give me evidence not any rumors. also you are brainwashed to much extent. your illness can't be cured now. Wish you could visit Pakistan and see the reality

[m.shah]

Instead of thanking ik Indians are hailing him as a hero for downing F16

[cricketjoshila]

Give me evidence not any rumors. also you are brainwashed to much extent. your illness can't be cured now. Wish you could visit Pakistan and see the reality

So pakistani govt doesnot support this.

Can you tell me if Syed Salahuddin in Pakistan?

[Bewal Express]

No one in India is asking for your certificates.

After seeing the illiteracy and plain ignorance of your media, i am not sure if anyone in India can read my certificates.

[Pakpak]

His release is now being delayed and according to rumors because Pakistan is now having double thoughts after the ungrateful Indian reaction.

[Madplayer]

Agreed but delays would mean India who were planning for more strikes would have continued with their actions plans which IK and ISI must have sensed and wanted to avoid.

So if this is true, who is the better side?

PS - this shows modi is a psychopath. Forget his actions, just look at his general demeanor, the way he talks, smiles. He even looks like a psychopath. Do notice it if you havent already.

[DRsohail]

His release is now being delayed and according to rumors because Pakistan is now having double thoughts after the ungrateful Indian reaction.

He has already been in India?

[Hermoine Green]

I am not sure but its 7days ir something thats the deadline.

I think the word used is armed conflict.

Ten days Sir.

[Pakpak]

He has already been in India?

No he hasnt;. He is still at the border. Its been delayed an hour more now to 9PM PST

[AamchiMumbaikar]

So if this is true, who is the better side?

PS - this shows modi is a psychopath. Forget his actions, just look at his general demeanor, the way he talks, smiles. He even looks like a psychopath. Do notice it if you havent already.

Elections are around the corner so I believe there were more strikes planned, in fact if that pilot was killed by mob/ crash it would have given a free hand for Modi n co to go full out.

[cricketjoshila]

Ten days Sir.

Thanks for the correction.

[Madplayer]

Elections are around the corner so I believe there were more strikes planned, in fact if that pilot was killed by mob/ crash it would have given a free hand for Modi n co to go full out.

So you agree Modi is mental or evil or both?

[AamchiMumbaikar]

So you agree Modi is mental or evil or both?

I had a positive opinion on him till 2017 excluding Godhra. Even now i dislike him for some of the election policies he could not fulfill... nothing on defense side.

[Hermoine Green]

According to reports, his released has been stopped until 9 PM. Some re-thinking is going on in Islamabad

[Manager101]

According to reports, his released has been stopped until 9 PM. Some re-thinking is going on in Islamabad

You mean the tweety reports again.

[Hermoine Green]

Meanwhile, COAS COAS had tel comm with Comd USCENTCOM, CDS UK, CDF Australia and Ambs of US, UK & China in Pak. Prevailing stand off between Pakistan & India & its impact on peace & stability in the region & beyond discussed. “Pak shall surely respond to any aggression in self defence”, COAS.