NEW DELHI – The father of Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, captured byPakistan after air combat, on Thursday said he was proud of his son’sbravery and thanked the people for their support and good wishes.
In a statement, Abhinandan’s father S Varthaman, who was an Air Marshall,referred to a purported video of his son after his capture, and said hespoke like a “true soldier” despite being in captivity and that he waspraying he would not get tortured in the neighbouring country and returnhome “safe and sound”.
In the evening India erupted in joy when Pakistan Prime Minster Imran Khanannounced that Abhinandan will be released on Friday as a “gesture ofpeace”.
The family of Abhinandan has an excellent track record of serving theIndian Air Force for generations since the Second World War and his fatherbesides being an ace pilot was a consultant for Mani Ratnam’s film “KaatruVeliyidai”.
Pakistan held Abhinandan Wednesday after fighter jets of both nationsengaged in an air battle.
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“Thank you, my friends, for your concern and wishes. I thank God for hisblessings, Abhi is alive, not injured, sound in mind, just look at the wayhe talked so bravely…a true soldier…we are so proud of him,” his fathersaid.
“I am sure all your hands and blessings are on his head…prayers for hissafe return. I pray that he does not get tortured and comes home safe andsound in body and mind,” the veteran IAF personnel, whose father was alsoan air warrior, further said.
He thanked the people for being with the family in this hour of need. “Wedraw our strengths from your support and energy,” he added.
