New Delhi:
In a move that can ratchet the tension in the Indian Subcontinent at much higher level, Pakistan violated the Indian airspace in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pooch area on Thursday. According to multiple media reports, twofighter jets of the Pakistan Air Force were intercepted over Poonch and Krishna Ghati sector. While there are no reports of any aerial combat, news agency ANI has reported that the Pakistan also violated the ceasefire in the area and unprovoked firing was reported at around 1 pm. This is the second time in less than 24 hours that the PAF has crossed into the Indian airspace.
On Wednesday, Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jet was shot down in Indian retaliatory fire 3 KM within Pakistan territory in Lam valley, Nowshera sector, news agency ANI. The latest development comes amid reports of Pakistan violating airspace in the Rajouri district. According to news agency PTI, "The jets entered into Indian air space over Nowshera sector this morning." The Pakistani jet was immediately pushed back by Indian planes on air patrol but not before dropping bombs. Nowshera is a border town in Jammu. The tension is at all time since 1999 Kargil War.
An Indian Air Force pilot of the Mig-21 Bison that reportedly shot down the PAF’s F-16 is in Pakistan’s captivity, the MEA confirmed in a statement on Wednesday. An unverified video has gone viral in which the air force pilot is seen telling his name, his batch number to the Pakistani captors. News Nation can't independently verify the authenticity of the video, which has been shared widely by many media outlets in Pakistan.
India also demanded immediate and safe return of an IAF pilot who was detained by Pakistan following an aerial engagement by air forces of the two countries.
"It was clearly conveyed that India reserves the right to take firm and decisive action to protect its national security, sovereignty and territorial integrity against any act of aggression or cross-border terrorism," said the MEA.
It has also been made clear to Pakistan that no harm should be caused to the Indian defence personnel, the External Affairs Ministry said, adding it has conveyed strong objection to the neighbouring country at the "vulgar display" of an injured personnel in violation of all norms of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Convention.
Earlier, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had said India committed uncalled for aggression to which Pakistan shall respond at time and place of its choosing. More than 10 bombs were dropped by the Indian multi-role fighter jet Mirage 2000 at around 3:30 am on Tuesday.
