India foiled Pakistan’s attempt to target its military installations on Wednesday, but one Indian Air Force plane was shot down in the aerial engagement and a pilot is in Pakistan’s custody, the Ministry of External Affairs has said.

A Pakistani aircraft, too, was brought down by India and it fell on the Pakistani side, it added.

In a demarche issued to the Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan, New Delhi demanded that Islamabad ensure that no harm comes to the Indian defence personnel in its custody and he be released immediately.

“The Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan was summoned this afternoon (Wednesday) by the MEA to lodge a strong protest at the unprovoked act of aggression earlier today, including the violation of the Indian air space by the Pakistan Air Force and targeting of Indian military posts,” a second statement from the MEA said.

‘Right to take action’

It was conveyed that India reserves the right to take firm and decisive action to protect its national security, sovereignty and territorial integrity against any act of aggression or cross-border terrorism, it added.

India also strongly objected to Pakistan’s “vulgar display’’of an injured personnel of the IAF in violation of all norms of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Convention. “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 statement said.

Dossier handed over

A dossier was handed over to Pakistan with specific details of JeM’s complicity in the Pulwama terror attack and the presence of JeM terror camps and its leadership in Pakistan. It was conveyed that India expects Pakistan to take immediate and verifiable action against terrorism emanating from territories under its control, according to the statement.

Earlier in the day, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had asked India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and avoid escalation of the situation. He also underlined the urgency for Pakistan to act against terrorist groups operating on its soil.

EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini too called on India and Pakistan to show the “utmost restraint”.

The JeM had claimed responsibility for a terror attack in Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir, earlier this month that killed 40 CRPF jawans.

Though Pakistan has closed its airspace for both India-registered airlines and international carriers, the Samjhauta Express between India and Pakistan will continue to run as the Indian Railways has not received any instructions to discontinue the service, a government official said.

 

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