Missing IAF sergeant: Pak panel for probe

In response to an appeal from Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission (SHRC), the Pakistan Human Rights Commission asked authorities in tha...

In response to an appeal from Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission (SHRC), the Pakistan Human Rights Commission asked authorities in that country to investigate the whereabouts of Somasundaram, a sergeant in an IAF aircraft that went missing in 1968 near the border. The Pakistan Commission is also trying to find out whether a squadron leader, co-pilot aboard the flight, is in the custody of Pakistan. The Commission’s communication was received on Thursday.

In June this year, Sergeant Somasundaram’s wife, Vijayalakshmi, requested SHRC for help to trace her husband. According to her request, on 7 February, 1968, an IAF flight with 98 persons, including her husband, lost contact with the control room while flying from Leh to Chandigarh. The aircraft was flying over Rohtang, close to Pakistan border, when the incident occurred.

Since the IAF authorities were unable to find out any details about the fate of the plane, it was presumed that it had crashed, though there was no evidence for that. A Court of Inquiry also presumed that the plane might have crashed, occupants died and bodies were buried in the snow of Rohtang hill. However, an occupant of the flight, P.N. Malhotra’s name was found in a list of Indian prisoners of war in Pakistan, Vijayalakshmi said.

Story continues below this ad

‘‘Had the plane crashed, how couldn’t the remains of even a single occupant or part of the flight be traced?’’ Vijayalakshmi wondered and said all factors showed that the occupants should be very much alive and perhaps in Pakistan prisons. She demanded a fresh probe be conducted to see whether there were more PoWs, including her husband, languishing in Pakistan.

Taking her complaint, SHRC member S. Sambandham wrote to the Pakistan Human Rights Commission and also Union Defence Ministry. The Ministry is yet to respond.

Police personnel seen to control the situation during a massive protest over the statehood demand and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, in Leh on Wednesday. (ANI Video Grab)

Statehood protest takes violent turn in Ladakh, BJP office set ablaze in Leh

India27 min ago

Protests in Ladakh turned violent as students and youth organisations demanded statehood and Sixth Schedule status. Two elderly protesters fainted, prompting a shutdown call. A BJP office and security vehicle were set on fire. Activist Sonam Wangchuk urged for a peaceful approach. The demand for Sixth Schedule status is due to Ladakh's tribal-majority population and direct central administration.

View all shorts

Live Blog