After an Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot was captured across the LoC, India strongly objected to Pakistan's "vulgar display" of an injured personnel as violation of all norms of the Geneva Convention and warned that no harm should come to him.
Soon after Pakistan claimed it had captured an IAF pilot, it released a video in which Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was seen blindfolded and with his hands tied behind his back. Later, another video was released where he was seen answering some questions and saying he was being looked after well after he was taken into custody by Pakistani troops.
According to the Geneva Convention, the IAF pilot has to be treated as a prisoner of war (POW) and must be released once hostilities between both sides end. The Convention's Article 4 defines a POW as member of the armed forces of a party who falls into the hands of the adverse party during an international armed conflict and it provides a wide range of protection for them including defining their rights.
It also sets down detailed rules for their treatment and eventual release.
POWs are also protected by International Humanitarian Law.
The rules protecting POWs state that they cannot be prosecuted for taking a direct part in hostilities and that "their detention is not a form of punishment, but only aims to prevent further participation in the conflict". They must be released and repatriated without delay after the end of hostilities.
Article 13 of the third Geneva Convention states that POWs must at all times be humanely treated and any unlawful act or omission by the detaining power causing death or seriously endangering the health of a PoW in its custody is prohibited, "and will be regarded as a serious breach of the present Convention".
It adds that POWs must at all times be protected against acts of violence or intimidation, and against insults and public curiosity. POWs cannot be subjected to physical or mental torture to secure information of any kind.
"The power detaining prisoners of war shall be bound to provide free of charge for their maintenance and for the medical attention required by their state of health," says the Article 15 of the Convention.
Article 17 states that every POW, when questioned on the subject, is bound to give only his surname, first names and rank, date of birth, and army, regimental, personal or serial number, or failing this, equivalent information. In the videos released by Pakistan, the IAF officer is seen following this norm.
Meanwhile, support has been pouring in from all corners for the captured IAF pilot and several political leaders across parties expressed hope for his safe and immediate retturn to home.
"I’m sorry to hear that one of our brave IAF pilots is missing. I hope he will return home soon, unharmed. We stand by our armed forces in these difficult times," Congress President Rahul Gandhi said.
DMK leader M K Stalin urged the Centre "to do everything necessary to get him safely back home at the earliest". The hashtags 'BringBackAbhinandan' and 'Abhinandan' were trending on the social media, where people were appealing for efforts for the safe return of the officer.
Taking to Twitter, the leaders said their thoughts are with the family and friends of the pilot and the whole country is standing with them.
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said Pakistan should treat the pilot "as you would have us treat one of your men in uniform should he be unfortunate enough to be captured on this side of the border", while AIMIM president Asaduddin
Owaisi said Islamabad must respect its obligations under the Geneva Conventions and treat him humanely.
In a joint statement, leaders of 21 parties who met here condemned the Pakistani "misadventure" and expressed their "deep concern for the safety of our missing pilot".
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the whole country "is proud of this brave son and everyone is hoping for his safe return."
"We all stand united to keep our country safe and strong (sic)," the Aam Aadmi Party chief tweeted.
Abdullah also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi "must suspend his political activities until the pilot is returned safely and that he had suggested the opposition parties to also put off their meeting in Delhi.
"It can't be business as usual with him criss-crossing the country at tax payer expense making political speeches while our pilot is a Pakistani captive," Abdullah said in a series of tweets.
Owaisi said:"Our prayers are with the brave IAF pilot & his family in this very difficult time.
"Under Article 3 of Geneva Conventions every party is required to treat prisoners humanely. Pakistan must respect its obligations towards the IAF pilot, regardless of ongoing circumstances."
India said Wednesday a pilot is "missing in action" after it foiled Pakistan's attempts to target military installations by using its Air Force in response to India's counter-terrorism
In a very brief press statement, MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, accompanied by Air Vice Marshal R G K Kapoor, said details are being ascertained about Pakistan's claim of having captured one Indian pilot.
"Against this Counter Terrorism Action, Pakistan has responded this morning by using its Air Force to target military installations on the Indian side. Due to our high state of readiness and alertness, Pakistan's attempts were foiled successfully," Kumar said.
He said the Pakistan Air Force was detected and the Indian Air Force responded instantly.
"In that aerial engagement, one Pakistan Air Force fighter aircraft was shot down by a MiG 21 Bison of the Indian Air Force. The Pakistani aircraft was seen by ground forces falling from the sky on the Pakistan side.
"In this engagement, we have unfortunately lost one MiG 21. The pilot is missing in action. Pakistan has claimed that he is in their custody. We are ascertaining the facts," he said.
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav tweeted: "I am praying for the safe return of our brave pilot. May God protect you and give you courage and strength. The nation stands with you."
IANS and PTI
