An Indian Air Force Pilot captured by Pakistan and a Pak F16 shot down by India is the story that dominates headlines in today newpapers. “India-Pak tension escalates” headlines Business Standard adding “Both shoot down each other’s jets; New Delhi seeks immediate return of captured pilot”.
“Bloodied and grilled, Abhi stays calm, collected” writes the Times of India about Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman the captured IAF pilot. In a related story the paper writes “US backs India’s counter terror strike, asks Pakistan to act on terror.”
“Captured pilot Abhinandan is son of decorated Air Marshal” informs The Pioneer.
“War futile, let’s settle this with talks, urges Imran”, says The Pioneer. “I DO HOPE THAT SANER COUNSEL WILL PREVAIL ` BETWEEN THE LEADERSHIP OF THE TWO COUNTRIES…. OUR COUNTRY IS GRAPPLING WITH ANOTHER CRISIS OF THE MAD RUSH OF MUTUAL SELF-DESTRUCTION THAT PLAGUES THE TWO COUNTRIES OF INDIA AND PAKISTAN MANMOHAN SINGH FORMER PRIME MINISTER”, the Telegraph Qoute Imran Khan under heading Pray for saner counsel.
“Diplomatic chorus: India, Pakistan should de-escalate now” is a headline in the Indian Express adding that while France, UK and US on Wednesday called for “de-escalation” in their statements, Russia and China asked for exercising “restraint”.
On India’s options The Asian Age writes “India’s 2 Option : To wait, or hit more targets in Pakistan”.
Referring to India’s contact diplomacy The Tribune writes “Diplomatic push to engage Beijing. China, Russia agree with India on need to eradicate ‘breeding grounds of terror'”.
On Narendra Modi government’s PM – Kishan scheme and similar cash transfer programmes in five states, The Hindustan Times writes “State, Centre plans will boost farmers’ income by up to 15 per cent.”
Thunderstorm coming – there’s many a twist in Delhi winter’s tail! Well, Hindustan Times reports that the western disturbance that caused rain and chilly winds on Monday and Thursday will likely continue till Thursday and another disturbance is expected on March 2 and 3, the India Meteorological Department has said.