Pakistani armed forces have released a new video of Wing Commander Abhinandan, who is seen in conversation with unknown military personnel of the Pakistani military. In the video, Wing Commander Abhinandan is seen ‘praising’ Pakistani army for treating him well even as he continued to drink tea.
It’s not clear if the conversation between him and the Pakistani army personnel was taking place under duress, but Wing Commander Abhinandan is being seen responding to questions posed by a faceless voice.
“I would like to put this on record and I will not change my statement when I go back to my country. The officers of the Pakistani army have looked after me very well. They are thorough gentlemen, starting from the captain, who rescued me from the mob thereafter the officers at the unit, which I am speaking to,” the Indian Air Force officer is seen speaking.
He then goes on to add, “This is what I would expect my army to behave and I am very impressed by the Pakistani army.”
The faceless voice of the Pakistani army officer then asks Wing Commander Abhinandan, “Wing Commander, you hail from which place in India?” A confident Wing Commander Abhinandan replies, “Am I supposed to tell you this? I am from down south.”
“Are you married,” asks the voice. The IAF officer replies, “Yes I am.”
“I hope you like the tea,” inquires the Pakistani army officer. Wing Commander Abhinandan says, ‘The tea is fantastic, thank you.”
The Pakistani army officer then asked, “So which aircraft were you flying.” Wing Commander Abhinandan replied, “I am sorry Major, I am not supposed to tell you this. But, I am sure you found out from the wreckage.”
“What was your mission,” asked the voice. Pat came the reply from the brave Indian officer, “I am sorry I am not supposed to tell you this.”
This was after, in a dramatic video, broadcast by Pakistani TV channels, Wing Commander was shown blindfolded and in the custody of the Pakistani troops. With a bloodied face and his hands tied behind his back, he was heard saying, “I am Wing Commander Abhinandan. My service no 27981. I am a flying pilot.”
The Indian foreign ministry spokesperson, Raveesh Kumar, had later told reporters in Delhi, “We have unfortunately lost one MiG 21. The pilot is missing in action. Pakistan has claimed that he is in their custody. We are ascertaining the facts.”
