IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman transferred from Srinagar airbase over security concerns

Indian Air Force on Saturday transferred Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman out of the Srinagar airbase amid concerns over his security. He has now been posted to an important airbase in the Western sector, reported news agency ANI. 

“The posting order of the officer has been issued and he would soon be moving out of the Srinagar airbase to his new place of posting,” ANI quoted government sources as saying.   

The sources further revealed that the new posting is also a fighter base and if the officer is cleared for flying, he would be able to continue his flying duties.

Abhinandan, who was held captive for around 60 hours in Pakistan after being captured during a dogfight on February 27, was last month advised to go on sick leave for at least three weeks before resuming duty. However, he chose to go back to his squadron in Srinagar rather than spending time with his family in Chennai. 

He was captured by Pakistani authorities on February 27 after his MiG 21 Bison went down during a dogfight with Pakistani jets. But before his plane was hit, Varthaman shot down an F-16 of Pakistan Air Force.

After he was captured, Varthaman showed courage and grace in the most difficult circumstances for which he was praised by politicians, strategic affairs experts, ex-servicemen, celebrities and others.