Abhinandan Varthaman is India’s hero. The country is rejoicing at his return
Yes, Pakistan blinked on the safe return of the Indian Air Force's Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman to India scheduled on March 1.
Varthaman was held captive by the Pakistani military after the MiG 21 he was flying was shot down by Islamabad’s forces while the Indian pilot was trying to chase away Pakistani jets that had entered Indian airspace on February 27.
In complete violation of the Geneva Convention, Pakistani forces had reportedly tied up Varthaman’s hands, blindfolded him, then paraded him before the Pakistani public, which attacked him, prior to releasing a video of Varthaman, which showed the brave soldier bleeding. Pakistan also released a video of Varthaman’s questioning.
Article 13 of the Geneva Convention protects prisoners of war (PoW) from any inhumane, degrading treatment, including anything that could imperill the health and safety of the person. It also includes a specific prohibition against ‘acts of violence or intimidation, and against insults and public curiosity’.
But since the two nations were not engaged in a declared war, it was difficult to compel Pakistan to follow the tenets of the Geneva Convention.
It was India’s global influence, however, that seems to have won the day for the country in Pakistan agreeing to send back its pilot safely — many experts in India had been urging the government that New Delhi uses its global influence to pressure Pakistan into behaving better.
US President Donald Trump’s statement earlier on Thursday suggested that the global powers were trying to ensure Pakistan for once follows international law and safely returns Varthaman to India.
“We have been involved in trying to help them (India and Pakistan) stop and we have some reasonably decent news,” Trump said.
Tensions escalated between India and Pakistan in the wake of the outrageous Pulwama attack claimed by the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group.
ICRC’s efforts merit appreciation
Varthaman is reportedly being returned to India through the offices of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) — an international body that is a ‘neutral observer’ for implementation of the Geneva Convention.
Reports say Pakistan will hand over Varthaman to the ICRC which will, in turn, hand him over to India. It is also being suggested that Pakistan wanted a grand 'handover' at the symbolic Wagah Border itself but the Indian government drew the line on that.
The exemplary ICRC meanwhile has maintained that photos of PoWs should not be used to wage psychological warfare, thus using captured soldiers as bargaining chips. The ICRC has also stood headfast in ensuring international norms are followed. Flight lieutenant K Nachiketa, who was captured during the 1999 Kargil War by Pakistan, was returned to India through ICRC only after India insisted he should not be returned home in full media presence.
India's hero
India is proud of all its soldiers who risk their lives in order to protect the country. But Varthaman’s stellar behaviour and fortitude, captured by the purported video released by Pakistan, makes him India’s true hero.
The way Varthaman refused to let out information that he was privy to, remaining cucumber-cool and yet rock-solid, is the reason why India looks up to the valour and spirit its soldiers.
“I am sorry, sir. I am not supposed to tell you that,” is what Varthaman repeatedly told the Pakistani military personnel who questioned him.
India heaved a sigh of relief at the news of Varthaman’s return.
His country would be utterly overjoyed to have him back.