Indian services chiefs at a loss for words

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–India fails to back up its claims of attacking and killing JeM terrorists in Pakistan

–No evidence provided of India’s claims of shooting down Pakistani F-16

–IAF claims Abhinandan’s expected return in line with Geneva Conventions

ISLAMABAD: The joint press briefing of the three chiefs of Indian Armed Forces on Thursday turned out to be an apology of the highest order as none of them had any answers to the questions raised by the media persons.

Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor, Major General Surinder Singh Mahal and Rear Admiral Dalbir Singh Gujral remained clueless and confused throughout the press briefing and could provide no satisfactory explanation or evidence to back up India’s claims.

India had claimed to have attacked an alleged Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) hideout in Pakistan on Tuesday in which 350 terrorists were killed but no evidence of such an attack was provided by the military chiefs. Backtracking from India’s previous claim, Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor said that he could not comment on the number.

On Wednesday, India had also claimed that it had shot down a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet but no evidence was provided to the media.

It is worth mentioning that Pakistan had shot down Indian fighter aircraft on Wednesday for violating the Line of Control (LoC) and had arrested one Indian pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.

The Thursday presser of the military chiefs was disappointing, to say the least as no substantial information was provided and no answers were given to the questions raised by the media persons.

‘OFFICER’S RETURN IN LINE WITH GENEVA CONVENTIONS’:

The Indian Air Force (AIF) on Thursday said it is very happy that captured pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman is returning home but dismissed suggestions that it was a goodwill gesture, insisting it was in line with the Geneva Conventions.

“We are very happy Abhinandan will be freed tomorrow and look forward to his return,” Assistant Chief of Air Staff Air Vice Marshal R G K Kapoor told the media briefing.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday announced that Pakistan will release captured IAF pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, on Friday as a peace gesture.