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The Indian government, in a statement on Wednesday, 27 February confirmed that an IAF pilot was under Pakistan’s custody, amid escalating tensions between the two countries.
“It was made clear that Pakistan would be well advised to ensure that no harm comes to the Indian defence personnel in its custody. India also expects his immediate and safe return,” the MEA statement read.
Then a 26-year-old, Group Captain K Nachiketa was taken prisoner by the Pakistan Army on 27 May 1999 – following ejection from his MiG-27 aircraft that was suffering engine flame-out. He was reportedly serving in the No 9 Squadron.
According to a The Telegraph report, when he landed, he realised that he was surrounded by Pakistani soldiers. The report said that Nachiketa, armed with just a handgun, failed to counter their assault. He was reportedly the only prisoner of the Kargil war.
According to the newspaper, Nachiketa was captured by Pakistani soldiers and taken to Rawalpindi where he was allegedly tortured until a senior officer intervened.
Meanwhile, India on the other hand, had started exerting international pressure on Pakistan for the release of the pilot, reported India Today.
Following pressure from the United Nations, Pakistan subsequently released Nachiketa eight days later on 3 June 1999. He was handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Pakistan and returned home the next day via the Wagah border, the report said.
In 2000, the pilot was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal for his bravery.
(With inputs from India Today, Hindustan Times, NDTV and The Telegraph)
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