Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan told their parliament yesterday that as a peace gesture, they would be releasing captured Indian pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman on Friday.
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Varthaman has been in Pakistan’s custody since his MiG-21 Bison was brought down in PoK on Wednesday after the PAF jets violated the Indian airspace.
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The 34-year-old is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla and has been a fighter pilot for 16 years.
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Before being promoted to fly MiG-21s, Abhinandan Varthaman was an efficient Sukhoi-30 fighter pilot Officer .
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According to Times Now, Varthaman is the son of a former fighter pilot Air Marshal Simhakutty Varthaman, who retired after serving as the Eastern Air Commander Chief.
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Varthaman had also previously appeared on an episode of Highway On My Plate with Rocky and Mayur.
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Varthaman comes from a family of people who have worn the uniforms and served the country and protected it.
His brother serves in Indian Air Force. His wife, Tanvi Marwah is also a retired IAF Squadron Leader with two children.
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In what can only be considered to be a cruel instance of irony, Abhinandan’s father had been an advisor for a Mani Ratnam film about an IAF Squadron Leader taken prisoner by Pakistan during the Kargil War.
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Hopefully, he returns safely and there are no hiccups with his release. And hopefully, common sense prevails on both sides.
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