Indian forces remain on a “heightened” state of alert despite Pakistan’s promise to free a pilot shot down in air raids this week, top military chiefs said yesterday.
Top generals from the air force, army and navy also renewed claims that India had shot down a Pakistani F-16 jet in the air battles after an attack Wednesday on military installations in Jammu and Kashmir.
“We are fully prepared and in a heightened state of readiness to respond to any provocation from Pakistan,” said the army’s Major General Surendra Singh Mahal at a press conference.
He said ground-based air defence weapons had been “put on high alert” along the de facto border with Pakistan, across which both sides had fired shells in recent days as the crisis escalated.
The top military officials also unveiled fragments from a missile they said matched the Pakistani F-16 fighter jet that crossed into Indian airspace and was shot down.
Pakistan has denied New Delhi’s assertions that one of its fighters was downed during a dogfight that also saw an Indian plane lost.
The pilot of that jet, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, managed to eject but was apprehended by Pakistani troops on the other side of the border and taken into custody.
Pakistan said yesterday it would release him as a “peace gesture”, taking a step towards rapprochement as clashes between the neighbours ignited fears of a disastrous conflict.
But India’s Air Vice Marshall R G K Kapoor said Pakistan’s decision to free the pilot, though welcome, simply followed international norms around prisoners of war.
“We are extremely happy to have him back. We want to see him back,” he told reporters.
“We only see it as a gesture which is in consonance with all Geneva conventions.”
Meanwhile, leaders of various political parties called on the parents of the pilot in Chennai.
Speaking to reporters, Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) leader Premalatha said, “Abhinandan’s parents are facing the situation bravely. I was moved when his mother said she was a proud mother to see the whole nation praying for the safe return of her son.
“She told me her family members have been part of the air force since 1942. Abhinandan’s father and grandfather too were in the air force,” Premalatha said.
Abhinandan’s father is retired Air Marshal Simhakutty Varthaman.
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader T R Baalu said the Varthamans are brave and consoling others. He said Abhinandan should return unhurt.
Tamil Maanila Congress leader G KVasan is also likely to call on Abhinandan’s parents. 
Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder S Ramadoss welcomed Pakistan’s decision to release Abhinandan.
In a tweet, Ramadoss said: “The news about Abhinandan being freed from Pakistan’s custody is joyous. India, and more so Chennai, is ready to welcome back the brave son.”