Pilot’s release decision: Indian media response mixed

By Our correspondentISLAMABAD: Following Prime Minister Imran Khan’s orders to release captive Indian pilot, Indian fanatics and mainstream and social media driven by war hysteria are describing the release as a success of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policies.Demanding a continuation of these policies, they asked India should not only continue with its hard stance towards Pakistan, but also demand custody of men like Masood Azhar and other alleged terrorists. These hardliners are stressing that Pakistan has been employing such tactics for five decades wherein it talks about the need of dialogue between the two countries after every terror incident. These incidents, however, keep happening at regular intervals.A similar stance has been pushed by the spokespeople of the Indian armed forces. Very few commentators on the Indian media have appreciated Imran Khan’s decision to return the pilot. They opine that Pakistan had to return the pilot anyway under the Geneva Conventions, so the move should not be considered an expression of forging peace and friendship.Upon hearing news of the pilot's imminent return, the pilot's relieved father thanked the people for their support and good wishes. "I thank God for his blessings, Abhi is alive, not injured, sound in mind, just look at the way he talked so bravely... a true soldier... we are so proud of him," news agency PTI quoted S Varthaman as saying.Other reactions on social media were equally joyous. "Hopefully Abhinandan will back home soon," the Aam Aadmi Party tweeted with the hashtag #WelcomeBackAbhinandan.Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti said this was an opportunity for the two countries to mend fences. "The decision to hand over Wing Commander Abhinandan is a great gesture, and shouldn't be seen in isolation. It comes at a time when Pak could've chosen to further escalate an already tense situation. I see it as a mark of reconciliation. Our leadership should reciprocate," she tweeted, adding that the Pakistan prime minister had shown "real statesmanship". Fellow Kashmir politician Omar Abdullah also expressed relief over the pilot's imminent release.Indian cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu termed the act as "noble" and wrote that the goodwill gesture "is a cup of joy for a billion people" of India.“Every noble act makes a way for itself... your goodwill gesture is ‘a cup of joy’ for a billion people, a nation rejoices...I am overjoyed for his parents and loved ones,” he wrote.Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen Mazari lauded the "amazing statesmanship" demonstrated by the prime minister, who she said, does not need "jingoistic slogans.”Markandey Katju, a former judge of the Supreme Court of India, who is popular for his straight forward thoughts on issues, says he has become an admirer of Prime Minister Imran Khan after listening to the premier's wise and restrained speech about de-escalating tensions with India.Journalist and author Sagarika Ghose said, “With apologies and respect to Modi Ji, but today he has been outdone and outshone in diplomacy, war strategy and public outreach by a swashbuckling cricket captain Imran Khan.”Indian Journalist Burkha Dutt said, “I think we should welcome this gesture from Imran Khan on the release of Abhinandan. The door for de-escalation has been opened.”Another Indian journalist Nidhi Verma termed Imran Khan’s move like winning a by hitting six on a full toss no-ball. “That's called winning a Cricket match by hitting a Sixer on a 'full toss no ball' to win the match. @ImranKhanPTI you have shown true magnanimity,” she wrote.Prominent Indian politician Kiran Bedi said Pakistan had to release the pilot over international pressure.“Indian IAF Fighter Pilot #Abhinandan held captive comes back home tom. for India’s firm stand and international glare,” she said on Twitter.Indian journalist Anand Ranganathan said India should keep up pressure on Pakistan.India's Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has lauded the announcement of the Indian pilot's release by Pakistan. "This is going to be a step towards goodwill and I hope this will be lasting," he said.Senior Kashmiri leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq welcomed the decision taken by the prime minister to release the Indian pilot. He expressed the hope that better sense prevails and that the Kashmir dispute sees a peaceful resolution."Welcome decision by Pakistan PM @ImranKhanPTI to release the captive Indian pilot as a peace gesture. Hope better sense prevails the war clouds scatter and the Kashmir dispute moves towards a peaceful resolution," the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) chief wrote on Twitter.Senior journalist, writer and analyst Zahid Hussain wrote,” Great peace gesture by PM Imran Khan for ordering release of the captured Indian pilot. He made us proud”.Another senior journalist Mazhar Abbas also reacted to the development and wrote Pakistan decided to release Indian pilot. PM Imran Khan biggest goodwill gesture. Well done IK.Fatima Bhutto described the prime minister’s announcement as a bold and humane move.

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