Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi (SHP)

New Delhi, Aug 14: The prestigious Vir Chakra will be conferred upon Wing Commander, Abhinandan Varthaman on August 15, Independence Day.

Abhinandan had become the epitome of courage following military stand-off between India and Pakistan in February. The Vir Chakra is third in precedence in war time gallantry awards.

In an aerial dogfight that took place between him and an F-16 Pakistani aircraft, Abhinandan heroically shot down the aircraft after firing an R-73 missile. Few moments later, Abhinandan’s MiG 21 Bison was downed by an AMRAAM missile. This caused his aircraft to drop on Pakistani soil. Although Abhinandan ejected from his aircraft he landed behind enemy lines.

Post his landing in Pakistan, he was beaten up by the locals, but was rescued by the Pak army who detained him for over 60 hours. A video also was widely circulated which showed Abhinandan being interrogated by the Pak army. The IAF wing-commander did not divulge any details other than his name, his rank and his religion.

In order to diffuse the sensitive situation, Imran Khan declared to release Abhinandan. The move was said to have been taken following diplomatic pressure on Pakistan. On March 1, Pak authorities handed over Abhinandan to Indian authorities at the Attari-Wagah border.

Back then, the situation between India and Pakistan had grown more intense after the Pulwama terror attack which witnessed the death of 40 CRPF jawans. The accused of the attack was stated to be Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based terror outfit. Following the Pulwama attack, IAF carried out an airstrike at Jaish-e-Mohammed’s terror camp. It was during the same time that IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman shot down a Pakistan F-16 jet.