India protests ‘vulgar display’ of injured IAF pilot by Pakistan, demands his safe return

Pakistani soldiers stand next to what Pakistan says is the wreckage of an Indian fighter jet shot down in PoK in Bhimbar district near the LoC on February 27, 2019. (Photo: AFP)


India on Wednesday lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over the “unprovoked act of aggression” against the country, including by violation of the Indian airspace by Pakistan Air Force and targeting of Indian military posts and ” vulgar display ” of an injured Indian pilot.

Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan Syed Hyder Shah was summoned to the foreign office this evening and firmly told that the Pakistani action was in contrast to India’s non-military anti-terror pre-emptive strike at a JeM terrorist camp in Balakot on Tuesday.

‘’It is unfortunate that instead of fulfilling its international obligation and bilateral commitment to take credible action against terrorist entities and individuals operating from its soil, Pakistan has acted with aggression against India,’’ New Delhi told the Pakistani diplomat.

It was clearly conveyed to him that India reserved 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.

The External Affairs Ministry said India also strongly objected to Pakistan’s ‘’vulgar display of an injured personnel of the Indian Air Force’’ in violation of all norms of the International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Convention.

READ | What is Geneva Convention of 1949? What does it say about PoWs?

It was made clear to the Pakistani side that Islamabad would be well advised to ensure that no harm came to the Indian defence personnel in its custody. India also expected his immediate and safe return.

Deep regret was also expressed to the Pakistani diplomat at the continuing denial by Pakistan’s political and military leadership over the presence of terrorist infrastructure in territories under Pakistan’s control.

A dossier was handed over to Pakistan side with specific details of JeM complicity in Pulwama terror attack and the presence of JeM terror camps and its leadership in Pakistan.

He was told that India expected Pakistan to take immediate and verifiable action against terrorism emanating from territories under its control.