BackIndia unites to pray for safe release of Abhinandan Varthaman
Abhinandan was captured by Pakistan on Wednesday after his MIG-21 ‘Bison’ aircraft was shot downHe was engaged in a mid-air battle with an enemy F-16 fighter jet
PremiumBengaluru: Citizens from across the country have come together to pray for the safe release of wing commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured by Pakistan on Wednesday, even as the government contemplates its next move in the rapidly developing security situation, which includes bringing back the pilot from the neighbouring state.
Social media posts of people offering prayers in Karnataka and other parts of the country lit up the online space since Thursday morning, which had been buzzing with speculation over the actual turn of events since Tuesday morning when Indian Air Force (IAF) jets crossed over the Line of Control (LoC) and targeted Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) training camps on Pakistan soil.
T.D. Rajegowda, the Congress legislator from Sringeri in the Chikmagalur district, about 250 km from Bengaluru, along with 100 supporters carried out special ‘poojas’ at Sri Durga Parameshwari and Ganapathi Temple, praying for the safe release of the pilot.
Residents in Kodagu, a district that has been one of the biggest supply chains of personnel to the Indian armed forces, also saw its residents rush to temples praying for the speedy and safe return of the pilot.
Varthaman was taken prisoner by Pakistan after his MIG-21 ‘Bison’ aircraft was shot down while he was engaged in a mid-air battle with an enemy F-16 fighter jet.
Several amateur videos and pictures shot by locals and Pakistan officials of Varthaman were later seen circulating on social media, including some in which the pilot was being assaulted by locals and others which he was seen with a bloody face being escorted by enemy forces.
According to a report by Pakistan news outlet 'Dawn', Varthaman fired in the air and even made a bid to escape from the place after he discovered that he was on the wrong side of the border — further bolstering the image of the fallen pilot who has now become the face of the conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
News of more incursions and ceasefire violations continued on Thursday as the conflict between the two nuclear armed countries threatened to escalate the situation.
Buddhist monks in large number will offer special prayers organised at Buddha Vihar for the safe return of the IAF pilot later today in Mumbai.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!
