Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has expressed happiness at the return of Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman from the custody of the Pakistan military, which had held him captive after his fighter plane crashed across the border on Wednesday.
In a press note here on Friday, Mr. Vijayan said the IAF officer had displayed great courage and grit at the hands of the Pakistan forces. He said it was gratifying that the return of Mr. Abhinandan to Indian soil signalled the easing of tensions between the two nations and the normalisation of relations.
“On behalf of the citizens of Kerala, I hail Mr.Abhinandan,” the press note said.
Governor P.Sathasivam tweeted, “I share the nation’s immense joy in the safe return of Wing Commander Abhinand Varthaman”.
City celebrates
Citizens from different walks of life turned up for the victory day celebrations organised by the city-based NGO Friends of Trivandrum on Friday to mark the return of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman who was handed over to India after his capture by the Pakistan military on Wednesday when his plane crashed across the border.
Volunteers of the NGO waved the national tricolour and distributed sweets to mark the occasion.
District president of the organisation P.K.S.Rajan inaugurated the celebrations in the city.
