IAF pilot Abhinandan return updates: Airman to be flown to Delhi from Amritsar; Modi tweets 'welcome home'

Welcome home, Modi tells Abhinandan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman on Friday. “The nation is proud of your exemplary courage. Our armed forces are an inspiration for 130 crore Indians,” he said.

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!

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 1, 2019

Recording of Abhinandan’s video statement caused delay in handover, say sources

The handing over of pilot Abhinandan Varthaman to India at Wagah was delayed on Friday as he was asked to record a statement on camera by Pakistani authorities before he was allowed to cross the border, according to sources.

It was not clear whether he was made to record the video under duress. The video also had several jump cuts indicating that it had been edited heavily, apparently to fit Pakistani propaganda.

At 8.30 pm (local) time, the Pakistan government released the pilot’s video message to the local media in which he said as to how he was captured. “Recording of his video message caused delay in his handing over,” a source said.

PTI

Abhinandan’s dignity, poise and bravery made us all proud, says Rahul

Congress president Rahul Gandhi said on Twitter Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman’s “dignity, poise and bravery made us all proud”. “Welcome back and much love,” he wrote.

🇮🇳 Wing Cdr. Abhinandan, your dignity, poise and bravery made us all proud. Welcome back and much love. 🇮🇳

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 1, 2019

Abhinandan an inspiration for all of us: Arvind Kejriwal

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted shortly after Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was released by Pakistan. “The hero finally walks back. A grateful nation salutes Wing Commander Abhinandan. You are an inspiration for all of us,” he wrote.

The hero finally walks back. A grateful nation salutes Wing Commander Abhinandan. You are an inspiration for all of us

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) March 1, 2019

Pakistan returns pilot to India, describes him as ‘POW’

Pakistan’s foreign office on Friday announced the returning of IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman to India, but described him as a “prisoner of war” (POW).

In a statement issued minutes after the pilot crossed over to India from the Wagah-Attari border, the foreign office said, “While in captivity, he was treated with dignity and in line with international law. The captured Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman has been returned to India today.” It described him as “India POW”.

FirstCut by Manjul

‘Abhinandan said he was happy to be back to his country’

Speaking to media, Amritsar district-commissioner SS Dhillon said, “He (Abhinandan) was happy to be back and smiling. He said that he was happy to be back to his country.” He further said that he will be flown to Delhi from Amritsar in a special plane.

Abhinandan to now be taken for medical checkup

In a brief statement, Air Vice-Marshal RGK Kapoor said at Attari-Wagah border, “IAF wing commander Abhinandan Varthaman has just been handed over to us. As per the standard operating procedures, he will now be taken for a detailed medical checkup because he had to eject from an aircraft. IAF is happy to have him back.”

Abhinandan accompanied by defence attache to Indian High Commission in Pakistan

According to ANI, IAF wing commander Abhinandan Varthaman was accompanied by IAF group captain Joy Thomas Kurien, Defence Attache to Indian High Commission in Pakistan.

Wing commander handed over to Indian authorities

IAF Wing Commander #AbhinandanVarthaman at Wagah-Attari border pic.twitter.com/WGz0LaNvX3

— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2019

Pakistani media releases video of Abhinandan saying he is ‘impressed’ by their army

“Pakistan Army is very professional service…I see peace in it. I have spent time with the Pakistani Army, I am very impressed,” Geo News  quoted Indian pilot Abhinandan as saying in a video prior to his release.

Abhinandan’s handover likely at 9 pm

Quoting sources, ANI reported that Pakistan has changed the timing of handover of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman twice. Indian defence minister is keeping a close watch on proceedings and the handover might now take place at 9 pm, it reported.

CNN-News18 reported that the officials who had come to receive Abhinandan Varthaman are still inside the integrated checkpost. 

Sources: Pakistan has changed the timing of handover of IAF's Wing Commander #AbhinandanVarthaman twice. Indian defence minister is keeping a close watch on proceedings. The handover might now take place at 9 pm tonight. pic.twitter.com/2GUIzhrP89

— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2019

Pakistan opens airspace for 4 major airports

Pakistan on Friday resumed flight operations from four main airports in the country — Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar and Quetta. 

King Abdullah II calls Imran Khan to convey concern over India-Pakistan tensions

King Abdullah II of Jordan on Friday made a telephone call to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and “conveyed his concern over the escalating situation between Pakistan and India," Dawn reported.

Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan briefed Jordan’s King Abdullah II about his initiatives to maintain peace between Pakistan and India for the sake of the people of the two countries and the region, the Pakistan prime minister’s office said in a statement.

‘Dosti’ bus leaves for New Delhi from Wagah border

Carrying 16 passengers, the Pakistan-India ‘dosti’ bus left for New Delhi from Wagah border, ARY News reported on Friday. Following custom and immigration clearance at the border, the passengers departed for India. The bus service operates for three days every week.

Defence forces to remain on high alert across border despite IAF pilot’s return, say sources

The Indian Defence forces will continue to remain on high alert across the border despite IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman’s expected return from Pakistan soon, sources said.

The Indian Defence Ministry continues to keep a close watch on the situation along the borders, sources added. To keep an eye on the security scenario, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman took a review meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and chiefs of the three services, sources added.

ANI

Documentation issue delays wing commander’s exit to Attari, says report

According to CNN-News18, an issue with the documents is delaying Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman’s exit to Attari.

Toll in Handwara encounter reaches 5, says report

According to CNN-News18, two CRPF jawans, two police officials, and a civilian have died in the Handwara encounter.

Pakistan violates ceasefire in Mendhar, Balakote, Krishna Ghati

ANI reported that Pakistan violated ceasefire along the LoC in Mendhar, Balakote and Krishna Ghati sectors in Jammu and Kashmir at 6 pm.

Light showers at Attari border

Light showers at Attari border has forced the crowd, gathered to welcome Abhinandan, to disperse. According to reports, Abhinandan is currently undergoing medical checkup.

Bollywood welcomes Abhinandan’s return

Ranveer Singh, Boman Irani, Dia Mirza, and Arjun Kapoor were among the Bollywood celebrities who welcomed Abhinandan Varthaman’s return on Friday. While Irani wrote, “Like the entire Nation, I would love to say #WelcomeHomeAbhinandan”, Kapoor said that the entire nation is “extremely proud” of Varthaman.

Welcome home Abhinandan! आपकी वीरता सर आँखों पर! Inspiration to our whole nation . Jai Hind 🇮🇳✊

— Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) March 1, 2019

Saluting the valour and bravery of our Air Force Wing Commander #Abhinandan Varthaman.
Like the entire Nation, I would love to say #WelcomeHomeAbhinandan.

— Boman Irani (@bomanirani) March 1, 2019

We salute your valour and the entire nation is extremely proud of you Wing Commander Abhinandan... Welcome home :)

— arjunk26 (@arjunk26) March 1, 2019

CRPF inspector, policeman killed in Handwara encounter

A CRPF inspector and a policeman were killed and five other forces personnel were injured in the gunfight at Babagund Langate area of Handwara in the frontier Kupwara district on Friday.

Official sources said that when a joint search team of police, CRPF and army went to retrieve the militant bodies amid a lull, one of the two militants who were believed to be dead, stood up and fired indiscriminately, injuring the CRPF Inspector, a policeman and five army soldiers who were moved to hospital.

Convoy on standby to take Abhinandan to airport

The convoy to take Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman from integrated checkpost at the border to the airport is currently on standby. The IAF pilot will be flown to New Delhi from Amritsar.

Mamata welcomes IAF pilot’s return

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee welcomed IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman back in the country after being in the custody of Pakistan for two days.

Welcome home #AbhinandanVarthaman Welcome home sweet home

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 1, 2019

Air Vice Marshal Ravi Kapoor expected to brief media soon

CNN-News18 reported that a statement is likely to be issued by Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor and that Wing Commander Abhinandan is likely to step out for the media.

#WelcomeHomeAbhinandan – Wing Commander Abhinandan ‘may’ step out for the media and a statement likely to be issued by AVM RGK Kapoor: Sources. | @shreyadhoundial with more insights.

LIVE UPDATES :: https://t.co/xP2eVedv5C pic.twitter.com/E6XEhMQaC4

— News18 (@CNNnews18) March 1, 2019

Wing commander handed over to Indian authorities

CNN-News18 reported that the handover has taken place at the Wagah-Attari border. In the next 30 minutes, he is likely to complete formalities on the Indian side. Reports said that Air Vice Marshal Ravi Kapoor will make a statement before the media at 5:35 pm.

‘Pakistan turned down India’s request to send IAF pilot by air’

Pakistan has turned down a request by India to send back Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman by aerial route and not through the Attari-Wagah land border, official sources said Friday.

They 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.

PTI

Islamabad HC dismisses plea to stop release of IAF pilot

The Islamabad High Court on Friday dismissed a Pakistani citizen’s plea to stop the imminent release of the captured Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinanadan Varthaman.

A Pakistani citizen had filed the petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to stop the imminent release of Varthaman, saying he committed crime against the country and should be put on trial.

PTI

Abhinandan reaches Wagah border post

The visuals of the official handover of IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman to the Indian authorities is unlikely to be available as media has been barred from accessing the area.

Visuals from Attari-Wagah border; Wing Commander #AbhinandanVarthaman to be received by a team of Indian Air Force. pic.twitter.com/C4wv14AEAd

— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2019

Formalities complete on Pakistan side of border.

CNN-News18 reported that the procedure has been completed at the Pakistan side of the border. Wing Commander Abhinandan Vathaman is expected to cross over to India shortly.

Pakistan violates ceasefire at Nowshera in Jammu and Kashmir

Pakistan violated ceasefire in Nowshera sector in Rajouri district at 4.15 pm. The Indian Army is currently retaliating, ANI reported.

Wing commander Abhinandan reaches Wagah border

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman will soon be handed over to the Indian Air Force at Attari-Wagah border.

Pakistan: Visuals from Wagah in Lahore; IAF Wing Commander #AbhinandanVarthaman will soon be handed over to the Indian Air Force at Attari-Wagah border pic.twitter.com/xEPghVgNzi

— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2019

Shah Rukh Khan tweets on Abhinandan’s return

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan said in a tweet, “There is no better feeling than Coming back Home, for home is the place of love, hope & dreams. Ur bravery makes us stronger. Eternally grateful.” (sic)

There is no better feeling than Coming back Home, for home is the place of love, hope & dreams. Ur bravery makes us stronger. Eternally grateful. #WelcomeBackAbhinandan pic.twitter.com/NFTRINu6Mw

— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) March 1, 2019

Man tries to enter Brar Square; IAF, police jointly interrogate him

IAF officials from Brar Square, Delhi Cantonment informed the police that a man tried to enter the official premises today morning. IAF and police jointly interrogated him, reported ANI . His medical examination is underway.

Both air vice marshals likely to receive Abhinandan at border

Wing Commander Abhinandan will be flown to New Delhi from Amritsar, sources told CNN-News18. Air vice marshals RGK Kapoor and Sreekumar Prabhakaran are expected to receive him at the Wagah border.

En route Wagah, wing commander reaches Lahore

The procedure at the border is likely to take a couple of hours for the wing commander to be brought to the Indian side. Reports said that the paperwork is likely to be finish by 5 pm.

Few parties hating India, suspecting our fight against terror: Narendra Modi

As India awaits the return of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Kanyakumari, “Few parties, guided by hatred, have started hating India. No wonder, while the entire nation supports our armed forces, they suspect the armed forces. The world is supporting India’s fight against terror, but a few parties suspect our fight against terror.

“These are the same people whose statements are helping Pakistan and harming India. They are the same people whose statements are being happily quoted in Parliament of Pakistan and in the radio of Pakistan. I want to ask them, do you support our armed forces or suspect them?”

PM Narendra Modi: A few parties, guided by Modi hatred have started hating India. No wonder, while the entire nation supports our armed forces, they suspect the armed forces. The world is supporting India’s fight against terror but a few parties suspect our fight against terror. pic.twitter.com/eTETjWro3u

— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2019

India facing terror for long, but not anymore, says Modi 

In Kanyakumari, Narendra Modi said, “India has been facing terror for a long time, but not anymore. The nation expected the people responsible for terror to be punished but that was never done before. Mumbai attack happened but nothing was done against it. When Uri and Pulwama happened, you saw what our brave soldiers did. There was a time when news reports said that air force wanted to take action, but UPA did not want them to do anything. Now reports say that armed forces have all the power to do what they want. This is ‘New India’.”

China welcomes release of IAF pilot

China on Friday welcomed Pakistan’s decision to release the IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman and encouraged the two countries to engage in more counter-terrorism co-operation and dialogue for the regional peace and stability.

Asked how China views Pakistan’s decision to release the pilot and whether Beijing played any behind-the-scenes role in it, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters: “Well, from the start China has been calling upon the two sides exercise restraint and take measures to ease tensions, engage in dialogue to resolve the differences”.

“I have taken note of the developments. China welcomes the goodwill signals released by the Pakistani side. De-escalation serves the common interests of both the countries. We encourage the two sides to engage in more dialogue for the peace and stability in the region,” he said.

PTI

Nirmala Sitharaman holds security meeting with NSA, service chiefs

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held a security review meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and the three services chiefs, ANI reported.

Indian police distribute food to Pakistani passengers stranded near Amritsar

Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported that Indian Punjab Police personnel distribute food to Pakistani passengers stranded outside Attari Railway station near Amritsar, following the temporary suspension of the Samjhauta Express rail services.

Everybody is proud IAF pilot Abhinandan is from Tamil Nadu, says Modi at poll rally

Campaigning for Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “Everyone is proud that brave Wing Commander Abhinandan is from Tamil Nadu… I am proud that India’s first woman Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is from Tamil Nadu.”

This is the first time Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directly spoken about Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman since his capture by Pakistani officials in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir on Wednesday after his aircraft was downed.

What happens after Wing Commander Abhinandan reaches India?

Once the IAF pilot reaches Indian shores, he will be sent in for a medical examination. A committee of the Indian Air Force will reconstruct the events of the crash to learn what was fired, the frequency and intensity of the firing.

This is the way the forces will gauge Pakistan’s preparedness. Then, the pilot will be debriefed by multiple agencies – namely the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). He will be made to reconstruct the event. Owing to the news of crowds cheering in the region, there are speculations that he was taken to the army base in Bhimber in PoK.

Western Air Command Chief retires day after PAF aggression; Pak media reports he was fired

Western Air Command Chief Air Marshal C Hari Kumar, a decorated officer of the Indian Air Force, retired Thursday on the due date of retirement after completing more than 39 years of service. Air Marshal Raghunath Nambiar took over as his successor. 

However, there were some mischievous reports in Pakistani media that used his pre-scheduled retirement date to insinuate that India removed the senior officer from his post following “Pakistan’s successful strikes and capturing of a pilot on 27 February.”

Heavy security at Wagah border

Input by By Amit Sharma, 101 Reporters

Beating the Retreat ceremony cancelled today, but customary lowering of flag to take place 

CNN-News18 reported that the 30-minute long Beating the Retreat ceremony that takes place every evening at India-Pakistan border at Attari checkpost stands canceled today. However, the customary lowering of flags will take place but the ceremony will not be open to public.

BSF orders evacuation at Attari-Wagah border ahead of Abhinandan’s return

The Border Security Force has asked the Punjab Police to make the border ceremony as low key an affair as possible. Following this, the police has removed the crowd from the area and the Beating Retreat ceremony has been closed for the public for today. CNN-News18 reported that this has been done to ensure that the repatriation process of the IAF pilot does not turn into a public spectacle.

Islamabad High Court Dismissed Plea Against Abhinandan’s Release 

Dismissing the plea, the Islamabad High Court gave a go-ahead to the repatriation of IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. The petitioner said the Indian pilot had violated the airspace of Pakistan to bomb the country and therefore he committed crime against Pakistan and should face trial here.

Pakistan rejects India’s request to send Abhinandan back by air

Hours after Pakistan announced its decision to release Abhinandan Varthaman, India conveyed to Islamabad that it wants him to be sent back via aerial route and not through the Wagah land border, official sources told PTI. However, late in the night, Pakistan communicated to India that he will be returned through the Attari-Wagah border.

 Sushma Swaraj’s message to Pakistan at OIC

If we want to save humanity,we must tell the states who provide shelter and funding to terrorists, to dismantle the infrastructure of the terrorist camps and stop providing shelter & funding to the terror organisations based in that country.

Will not receive IAF pilot at Wagah to ensure defence protocol, says Captain Amarinder Singh

Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh will not receive IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthman at the Waghah border to ensure that the defence protocol that is usually followed in such cases is not violated in any way. 

“I would have loved to go, since both he and his father were from the National Defence Academy, like me, and it would have been an extremely happy and nostalgic moment for me to receive the brave officer,” said Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday in a statement.

’#NobelPeacePrizeForImranKhan’ trending in Pakistan on Twitter

In the hours before the release of IAF pilot Abhinandan on Friday, the hashtag #NobelPeacePrizeForImranKhan was trending in Pakistan on Twitter.

Khan had announced that Pakistan was freeing Varthaman, unconditionally, as a gesture of peace. Some other trending topics in the neighbouring country included, #GoBackModi, and #PaksitanLeadsWithPeace.

IAF team arrives at Attari-Wagah border to recieve IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman 

Deputy Commissioner Shiv Dular Singh Dhillon, Amritsar said, “Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman will cross the border today, can’t tell you exact time since there are certain formalities. A senior Indian Air force team from Delhi is here, they will be the ones to receive him.”

Input by Amit Sharma, 101Reporters

Sushma Swaraj talks terrorism at OIC but stops short of naming Pakistan 

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj spoke about the menace of terrorism, however, she stopped short of naming Pakistan. 

“Terrorism is destroying lives,destabilizing regions and putting the world at great peril. Terror reach is growing and the toll it is taking is increasing,” Swaraj said at OIC event. 

Hinting indirectly at Pakistan, Sushma said that the nations which support terrorisms must be warned that such pursuits give no benefit to anyone. She then urged the world to help them dismantle terror hotbeds, and their funding mechanism to bring an end to the menace.

Sushma Swaraj to speak at OIC shortly

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is in Abu Dhabi to attend the foreign ministers’ meet of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) states where she is expected to raise the issue of terrorism, amidst Indo-Pak tensions following the Pulwama terror attack. 

Swaraj will attend the inaugural plenary of the two-day meeting on Friday. It is for the first time that India has been invited to a meeting of the OIC, an influential grouping of 57 Islamic countries, as the guest of honour. 

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at the foreign ministers' meet of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Abu Dhabi. She will shortly address the session as the Guest of Honour. pic.twitter.com/petmBhEidg

— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2019

Reuters report says any damage to JeM installation at Jaba top seems unlikely 

People in the area said Jaish-e Mohammad did have a presence, running not an active training camp but a madrassa, or religious school, about one km from where the bombs fell. “It is Taleem ul Quran madrassa. The kids from the village study there. There is no training,” said Nooran Shah

A sign which had been up earlier in the week identifying the madrassa’s affiliation to Jaish-e Mohammad had been removed by Thursday and soldiers prevented reporters from gaining access. But it was possible to see the structure from the back. It appeared intact, like the trees surrounding it, with no sign of any damage of the kind seen near the bomb craters.

‘Only a crow died’: Pakistani villagers claim no casualties in Indian airstrike, says Reuters report

Locals say 400 to 500 people live locally, scattered across hills in mudbrick homes. Reuters spoke to about 15 people, none of whom knew of any casualties apart from Nooran Shah. “I haven’t seen any dead bodies, only a local who was hurt by something or hit by some window, he was hurt,” said Abdur Rasheed, echoing numerous others. “It shook everything,” said Abdur Rasheed, who drives a pickup van around the area. He said there weren’t any human casualties: “No one died. Only some pine trees died, they were cut down. A crow also died.”

Pakistan Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed opposes release of IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman

Pakistan minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed has opposed the release of Abhinandan Varthaman, expressing apprehension that India could launch an offensive after he is sent back.

In a speech in Parliament, Ahmed, who is the chief of Awami Muslim League, admitted that terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed has a camp in Jabba in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa region of Pakistan

“During (former Prime Minister) Vajpayee’s time this was not the situation. (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi has a different thinking. People say Modi planned this attack keeping in view the Lok Sabha elections. What if India attacks us again after we hand over to them the IAF pilot. I want to tell you, Modi is sitting there. What if he attacks tomorrow. Every Muslim residing in India is looking towards Pakistan,” he said. – ANI

India sent Pakistan evidence of JeM’s terror training activities on its soil 

India, on Wednesday sent a dossier to Pakistan. This includes evidence of set of activities that Jaish-e-Mohammed and Azhar Masood undertake in Pakistan. These include, on blogs, websites, Facebook accounts and Twitter accounts apart from banners and pamphlets inviting people to join their training camps in Pakistan. Many of the listed blogs and websites openly declare association of Jaish-e-Mohammad with terror attacks.

Abhinandan Varthaman handed over to Indian High Commission

IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman has been handed over to Indian High Commission in Pakistan, from where he will be brought to the Attari-Wagah border. He is expected to cross over between 3 to 4 pm, Hindustan Times reported.

China cancels all flights to and from Pakistan in view of Indo-Pak tensions

China has cancelled all flights to and from Pakistan and rerouted its international aircraft flying over the Pakistani airspace due to the regional tensions, official media here reported on Friday.

Pakistan wants UN, Russia’s mediation to de-escalate tension with India

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has appealed to UN General Secretary and Russia to play a mediation role to de-escalate tensions in South Asia.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi once again changes stance on OIC, says will send envoys 

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that he will not attend the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation summit.

He said: “I will not attend Council of Foreign Ministers as a matter of principle for having extended invitation as a Guest of Honour to Sushma Swaraj.”

He had initially threatened to boycott the meeting when UAE had invited India to be present as the guest of honour at the event. However, later some reports claimed that he will attend the event. However, now Pakistan has said that it will send some envoys to the summit.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi once again changes stance on OIC, says will send envoys 

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that he will not attend the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation summit. He had initially threatened to boycott the meeting when UAE had invited India to be present as the guest of honour at the event. However, later some reports claimed that he will attend the event. However, now Pakistan has said that it will send some envoys to the summit.

Abhinandan leaves for Lahore, expected to reach Attari-Wagah border at 2 pm

Latest reports suggest that the IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman has left for Lahore from Islamabad. He is expected to reach the Attari-Wagah border around 2 pm. 

Wing Commander #AbhinandanVarthaman leaves from Islamabad for Lahore, to reach Wagah border near Amritsar post 2 pm

— ABP News (@ABPNews) March 1, 2019

Amit Shah questions Imran Khan’s silence on Pulwama terror attacks

BJP President Amit Shah Friday slammed Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan for not condemning the Pulwama terror attack and said how could India trust him. Speaking at the India Today Conclave, Shah said the Modi government has been able to create “fear” in the minds of those behind terrorism with its action against Pakistan-based terrorists.

“I believe the track record of our government has been the best in dealing with terror since  Independence… Maximum number of terrorists have been eliminated under BJP government led by Modi,” he said.

Huge crowds gather at Attari border check post in anticipation of IAF pilot’s release 

Visuals from Attari checkpost at Wagah border where Indians eagerly await Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman’s release. 

Punjab: People gather at Attari-Wagah border; Wing Commander #AbhinandanVarthaman will be released by Pakistan today. pic.twitter.com/svQUHh4dzg

— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2019

Celebratory mood at Wagah border as huge crowd awaits Abhinandan’s release

Scores of people assembled at the Attari Joint Check Post with Indian flags on Friday to receive IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman who is likely to be released by Pakistani authorities later in the day. People started arriving in Attari since 6 am, News18 reported. 

Image Courtesy: News18

Abhinandan’s parents get standing ovation from co-passangers in flight 

Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman’s parents received a standing ovation from co-passengers when they took a flight to Delhi. In a video circulating on social media, co-passengers cheered and clapped for the parents and tried to shake hands with them. 

WATCH VIDEO: Parents of IAF pilot Wing Commander #AbhinandanVarthaman get standing ovation inflight pic.twitter.com/fV1n4ZCcoh

— The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) March 1, 2019

Sushma Swaraj likely to raise terrorism issue at OIC meet in Abu Dhabi in presence of Shah Mehmood Qureshi

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is expected to raise the issue of terrorism at Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) states summit amidst Indo-Pak tensions following the Pulwama terror attack. Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi is also attending the meeting. Earlier he had said that he would boycott the meeting if Swaraj participates.
 

It is for the first time that India has been invited to a meeting of the OIC, an influential grouping of 57 Islamic countries, as the guest of honour.

India’s engagement with the OIC comes in the midst of escalating tension between India and Pakistan. The ties strained further after Indian fighter jets bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed’s biggest training camp near Balakot deep inside Pakistan early Tuesday. Pakistan carried out a retaliatory aerial raid on Wednesday.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi to attend OIC after expressing reservation over Sushma’s presence

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi will attend the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting. Earlier he had said that he would boycott the meeting if Swaraj participates.

We want peace, but we are prepared for everything: Imran Khan’s Parliament address

Yesterday, at joint session of Pakistan Parliament, Imran Khan questioned India’s intent to de-escalate the situation. “They sent Pulwama dossier today– two days after launching an attack. The question is: could they not have sent it earlier and if Pakistan had not acted upon it, then taken action against us?”

“Fingers started pointing towards Pakistan for Pulwama attack in less than half an hour of the incident. This came at a time on the eve of an important visit of Saudi Crown Prince. “Why would we sabotage such an important visit? What would Pakistan gain from the Pulwama incident? I asked India to give us actionable intelligence and we will act on it. We debated whether to respond after the India attack since there were no casualties. We did not want to cause any Indian casualties and be responsible for an escalation. The next day, we demonstrated our capability and will to respond but there was no collateral damage. There is no victory in a war. We shouldn’t even think of war. War is not a solution. If India takes any action again now, we will again have to retaliate. Pakistan wants peace. Our interest lies in peace and de-escalation… [But] we are prepared for everything.”

Mad rush of mutual self destruction played between India and Pakistan: Manmohan Singh

“On a day when our country is grappling with another crisis of mad rush of mutual self destruction played between India and Pakistan, our basic problem is to get rid of chronic poverty, ignorance and disease which still afflicts citizens in our two countries,” said former prime minister Manmohan Singh.

#WATCH: Ex-PM Manmohan Singh, "On a day when our country is grappling with another crisis of mad rush of mutual self destruction played b/w India-Pak. Our basic problem is to get rid of chronic poverty, ignorance&disease which still afflicts citizens in our 2 countries... (27.02) pic.twitter.com/H1OJcyi3Rk

— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2019

All arrangements for Abhinandan’s release finalised

All arrangements for IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan’s release, who was captured by Pakistan on Wednesday, have been finalised, Pakistan government sources have told the state media. He will be accompanied by the Indian air attache to Pakistan, media reported .

By announcing release of captured IAF pilot, Imran Khan takes hold of narrative for now, grabs moral high ground

Whether it was the tenets of the Geneva Conventions that prevailed upon the Pakistani prime minister or concerns about escalating the situation is unknown, and more to the point, irrelevant. What needs to be noted is how Khan owned the narrative of the whole episode and demonstrated that he was taking the moral high ground in an increasingly volatile situation. But his announcement in the Pakistani Parliament that the pilot is to be released was no flash-in-the-pan or a one-off. He’s been carefully managing the narrative ever since Abhinandan was captured. 

How Pakistan was nudged to act in India’s favour 

An report in  The Indian Express  claims that global isolation, increased pressure for acting against terrorists, and a few phone calls led Pakistan to de-escalate tensions. The report said that Pakistan falsely told P-5 nations, and other diplomats that India was shoring up naval and military bases to launch a full-fledged attack. However, India told them that their own stealth aircraft detectors and radars were capable to verify these claims. India clarified that its naval ships were in fact moving away from Karachi. 

Further, when Pakistan attempted to target Indian military installations, as opposed to India’s non-military counter-terror ops, it was taken by India as an act of aggression. They also captured an Indian pilot. This put the ball squarely in their court to move towards war, or diffuse tension by taking the first step by returning the Indian pilot.

Abhinandan to be received by IAF team at Wagah around noon, say reports

Reports have claimed that Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman will cross over to the Indian side around 12 noon at Wagah border. A delegation of IAF team will be there to receive him. Sources said he was currently in Rawalpindi, from where he would be brought to Lahore, and would be handed over to India at Attari-Wagah border

Visuals from the Attari-Wagah border. Wing Commander #AbhinandanVarthaman will be released by Pakistan today. pic.twitter.com/6x30IQpqbB

— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2019

IAF pilot Abhinandan in Rawalpindi, to be handed over to India at Wagah, claim reports

Reprots claimed that IAF pilot Abhinandan has been kept in Rawalpindi, where Pakistan Army Headquarters are based. He will be flown to Lahore in a special flight, from where he will reportedly be handed over to the Indian side. A delegation of IAF team will go there to receive him. It is not clear whether Varthaman will be handed over to the International Red Cross or to the Indian authorities by Pakistan.

IAF pilot pelted with stones, shot in leg by Pakistani locals, say eyewitness 

Mohammad Razzaq Chaudhry, the chief of Horran village in Pakistan where IAF officer Abhinandan Varthaman was captured, told the BBC that he ran to the spot along with other villagers when he saw the MiG 21 crashing to the ground. 

“My objective was to capture the pilot alive. I had seen the Indian flag on his parachute and knew he was Indian,” Chaudhry was quoted as saying. He was first led to believe that he had landed in India so he started raising patriotic slogans. “The boys around him responded by saying, ‘Long live Pakistan’!” Chaudhury told the BBC, adding that Varthaman then pulled out his gun and fired in the air to intimidate them."

The move led to more hostility and the villagers began pelting stones at Varthaman who by then was on the run. “The boys chased him until he fell into a stream and one of my nephews who was also armed shot him in the leg,” Chaudhry said.  “Our boys were angry and continued to force their way closer to him to punch and slap him, though some of them tried to stop the aggressors. I also told them not to harm him, to leave him alone until the army officers arrived,” Chaudhry said.

IAF pilot Abhinandan was tricked to believe he landed in India by PoK locals, claims eyewitness

Recounting the dramatic events leading to the capture of IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, Mohammad Razzaq Chaudhry, the chief of Horran village in Pakistan, told the BBC. Varthaman’s first question on landing was whether he was in India, and the villagers tricked him with an affirmative response, leading the pilot to raise patriotic slogans about India. However, he was in for a shock as the hostile mob turned on him.

IAF to receive Wing Commander Varthaman at Wagah border post

A delegation of IAF team will on Friday receive Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, captured by Pakistan during an aerial combat, at the Wagah border, official sources said. Varthaman’s MiG 21 was shot and he bailed out  after bringing down one Pakistani F-16 fighter during a dogfight to repel a Pakistani attack on Wednesday morning. He has been in Pakistan since then.

Two militants gunned down in Kupwara encounter, say reports 

Two militants were killed in an overnight encounter at Babagund village of Langate, Handwara in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district. The bodies of the slain militants have been recovered from the spot on Friday morning, Times Now reported.

IAF cites evidence to ‘conclusively’ prove use of F-16s by Pak against India

The Indian Air Force on Thursday displayed parts of an AMRAAM beyond visual range air-to-air missile as evidence to “conclusively” prove that Pakistan deployed US-manufactured F-16 fighter jets during an aerial raid targeting Indian military installations in Kashmir. Pakistan had on Wednesday categorically said that no F-16 fighter jets were used and denied that one of its planes had been downed by the IAF.

“There is enough evidence to show that F-16s were used in this mission and Pakistan is trying to hide this fact. Also, parts of AMRAAM air-to-air missile which is carried only on the F-16s in Pakistan Air Force were recovered East of Rajouri within the Indian territory,” Air Vice Marshal R G K Kapoor, assistant chief of Air Staff, told a news conference.

Encounter underway in Kashmir valley

An encounter broke out on Friday between militants and security forces in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Babagund area of Kupwara following information about presence of militants there, the officials said.

They said the search operation turned into an encounter after militants opened firing towards the security forces, who retaliated.

There were no reports of any casualties so far in the operation, the officials said. PTI

Pakistan violates ceasefire in Uri sector, civilian injured

One civilian was injured Friday in a ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops along the LoC in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing towards Indian posts and villages in Kamalkote area of Uri in Baramulla district on Thursday evening, the officials said.

US welcomes Pakistan’s decision to release captured Indian pilot

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed Pakistan’s decision to release the captured Indian fighter pilot in what was seen as an effort to de-escalate the gravest crisis between the two countries in years. 
 

“The reports of the promise of the release of the Indian pilot by the Pakistani authorities would be a very much welcomed step,” spokesperson for the UN Secretary General Stephane Dujarric told reporters. “We would encourage both parties to do whatever they can to de-escalate the situation and this is the message that has been passed on by the UN and by the international community as a whole,” he said. – PTI

India-Pakistan tensions ground thousands of air travellers worldwide

Thousands of air travellers worldwide were left stranded on Thursday as the closure of Pakistan’s airspace continued in the aftermath of tensions with India.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Pakistan said it would keep airspace shut until at least 1:30pm on Friday local time (0800 GMT), disrupting major routes between Europe and South East Asia. Thai Airways has cancelled nearly 30 flights, affecting 5,000 passengers. Singapore Airlines was also forced to divert Europe-bound flights to Mumbai and Dubai to refuel, while a flight to Frankfurt was cancelled. – AFP

Masood Azhar is in Pakistan, he’s really unwell, Shah Mahmood Qureshi tells CNN

Speaking to CNN, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said: “We are open to any step that leads to de-escalation and if they have good, solid evidence, please sit and talk, please initiate a dialogue and we will show reasonableness.”

Responding to a question regarding Azhar’s location, Qureshi said “he is in Pakistan, according to my information”. “He is unwell to the extent that he can’t leave his house, because he’s really unwell,” the foreign minister said.

Wing Commander Abhinandan to cross over to India from Wagah-Attari Border

Sources have told News18 that the pilot will be brought from Rawalpindi  to Lahore by a special plane and then handed over to the Indian side.

I&B ministry asks YouTube to remove videos of Wing Commander Abhinandan in Pakistan’s custody

Soon, after Wing Commander Abhinandan’s MiG21 jet crashed in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, videos of him in Pakistan’s custody surfaced. Some clips showed him being captured and in the custody of the Pakistani army. The information technology ministry has directed YouTube to remove 11 videos showing the Wing Commander.

Pakistan to return IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman today

Indian Air Force pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman is set to return after two days in Pakistani captivity. The announcement by Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan on Thursday evening brought relief to Indians.

The IAF pilot was captured on Wednesday after his MiG-21 fighter jet crashed in an aerial combat with a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet.