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Journalism of Courage
A mannequin resembling Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who shot down Pakistan’s F16 during aerial combat and was held captive for three days, has been put on display at a museum run by the Pakistan Air Force in Karachi.
According to a report in the Express Tribune, Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan inaugurated a new section of Pakistan Air Force Museum where a mannequin painted to resemble Varthaman with his signature handlebar moustache has been put on display.
Behind Abhinandan’s mannequin is a statue of a Pakistani soldier. Also placed close to it are a tea mug and the fuselage and tail of Abhinandan’s aircraft, MiG-21.
The gallery named “Operation Swift Retort” also contains images re-enacting the moment Varthaman’s aircraft was shot down, and photographs showing him being handed back to India at the Wagah border crossing.
Abhinandan was captured by the 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 an F-16 fighter of Pakistan. He was released on the night of March 1 by Pakistan.
Abhinandan, who showed courage and grace in handling the most difficult circumstances, was conferred the Vir Chakra, India’s third-highest wartime gallantry medal.
The Indian Air Force had launched an aerial attack on terror camps in Balakot after at least 40 jawans were killed in a terror strike in Pulwama.
(With PTI inputs)
