Father of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman has sent out a message saying he is “proud of him”.
Wing Commander Varthaman had attacked a Pakistan Air Force plane over Nowshera in J&K on Wednesday when he was hit by a Pakistani weapon. He had bailed out of his MiG 21 jet and his parachute landed in Pakistan. He was captured by Pakistan.
His father Air Marshal S Varthaman (retd), in a message sent out to his friends, has thanked them for showing “concern and wishes”.
Air Marshal Varthaman, himself a fighter pilot, had commanded the vital Eastern Command and retired in 2012.
“Abhi is alive, not injured, sound in mind, just look at the way he talked so bravely...a true soldier...we are so proud of him,” said the father.
In the message, the senior Varthaman said he hoped Wing Commander Varthaman is not tortured and would come home safe and sound.
“Thank you all for being with us in this hour of need. We draw our strength from your support,” he concluded.