New Delhi, February 27: India on Wednesday demanded from Pakistan immediate and safe return of Indian Air Force pilot.
The Ministry of External Affairs objected to Pakistan’s vulgar display of an injured IAF personnel in violation of all international norms.
The MEA told the Pakistani envoy to ensure that no harm comes to its defence personnel in Pakistan’s custody.
Earlier, in a very brief press statement, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, accompanied by Air Vice-Marshal R G K Kapoor, said details are being ascertained about Pakistan’s claim of having captured one Indian pilot.
Pakistan has used its Air Force to target military installations in India in response to Indian counter-terrorism operations but their attempts were foiled successfully, Kumar said.
The statement followed fresh confrontation a day after Indian Air Force launched a counter-terrorism action against a training camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Pakistan based on credible evidence that JeM intended to launch more attacks.
“Against this Counter Terrorism Action, Pakistan has responded this morning by using its Air Force to target military installations on the Indian side. Due to our high state of readiness and alertness, Pakistan’s attempts were foiled successfully,” Kumar said.
He said the Pakistan Air Force was detected and the Indian Air Force responded instantly.
“In that aerial engagement, one Pakistan Air Force fighter aircraft was shot down by a MiG 21 Bison of the Indian Air Force. The Pakistani aircraft was seen by ground forces falling from the sky on the Pakistan side.
“In this engagement, we have unfortunately lost one MiG 21. The pilot is missing in action,” he had said earlier. — Agenices
