Independence Day | Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman to be conferred with Vir Chakra, notification here

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who spent some days in Pakistani custody after shooting down a modern Pakistani F16 jet after which his MiG-21 was shot down in a dogfight with Pakistan Air Force jets a day after February 26 Balakot airstrike, will be conferred Vir Chakra on Independence Day. 

National hero to get Vir Chakra

An order from President's office has revealed that national hero will be receiving hour from President Ram Nath Kovind for his act of bravery and gallantry on battlefield while he was captured by Pakistani Army after shooting down a Pakistani jet and crash landing inside Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) territory. 

Here's order from President's office:

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Display of valour and cour from hero

In high-altitude dogfight that ensued, flying a 1960s aircraft, Wing Commander Abhinandan used his close-combat R73 missile to shoot down a Pakistani F-16 - an unheard-of feat. He was released by Pakistan after 48 hours on March 1. While he was in Pakistan custody, he showed extreme cour and grace in handling most difficult circumstances in neighbouring country. 

Varthaman was captured by Pakistani Army on February 27 after his MiG-21 Bison jet was shot down in a dogfight with Pakistani jets during aerial combat. Before his jet was hit, he downed a more techlogically vanced F-16 fighter of Pakistan. Varthaman was released on night of March 1 by Pakistan. 

While anuncing decision to release Wing Commander, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan h attempted to paint a 'good gesture' narrative despite truth being that he h been left with option because of relentless and inexorable pressure screw India h applied on Pakistan across multiple dimensions, demanding immediate release of its heroic pilot.

Days after he returned from Pakistan, Varthaman conveyed to IAF brass his wish to return to fighter cockpit at earliest.

IAF fighter jets bombed a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26, nearly two weeks after Pulwama strike. Pakistan retaliated on February 27 by attempting to target Indian military installations.

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