RAWALPINDI: Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman believed there is “no reason” for Pakistan and India to continue with hostilities and called for peace between the two countries.
In a new video released by the Pakistan Army on the second anniversary of Operation Swift Retort, Abhinandan said, “I see no reason for us to continue with any kind of hostilities.”
The video seems to be part of the same interview which was aired after Abhinandan’s capture two years ago. “I do not know what we should do to achieve peace but I only know that there should be peace,” he added.
“I could not find any difference between the two countries from above. I did not even know whether I was in Pakistan or my own country. All the people, everything looked the same to me,” he added.
Recalling the incident, the pilot said that he was badly injured when he ejected from his aircraft and once he landed he was not able to move. He added that after landing, he tried finding out which country he was in.
“When I realized I was not in my country, I tried to run away,” says the Indian pilot, adding that a “charged” crowd tried capturing him as well but he was saved by the Pakistan Army.
“Within that moment, a captain of the Pakistani Army came, he saved me from these people. He took me to his unit where I was given first aid and after that, I was taken to the hospital,” he added.
Following the events, the wing commander remarked that he found the Pakistan Army to be a “very fine”, “professional” and “chivalrous” force. “I’m very impressed by the chivalry displayed by the Pakistani Army,” he added.
Abhinandan was arrested on Feb 27, 2019, after his aircraft was shot down by the PAF upon violating Pakistani airspace. He was initially captured by locals in Azad Kashmir before being taken into custody by Pakistan Army personnel.
