Geneva Convention: How will it help India bring back captured IAF Pilot

Context

• The Union Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that during an aerial engagement with Pakistani fighter jets on February 27, 2019, India lost one of its MiG-21 aircraft.
• The fighter jet was shot down in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and its pilot, an Indian Air Force Wing Commander was taken into custody by Pakistan.
• The incident occurred when the Indian Air Force swiftly responded to Pakistan’s attempt to target its military installations along LoC and shot down one Pakistani fighter aircraft, F-16.
• According to sources, at least ten Pakistani fighter jets were seen heading for military targets along LoC but they were forced to retreat without causing any damage in India.

Major facts

1. However, post the engagement, reports of video footage of the captured IAF pilot being circulated on social media came out.

2. Following this, MEA released a statement conveying India’s strong objection to Pakistan’s vulgar display of injured personnel in violation of all norms of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Convention.

3. India also made clear to Pakistan that no harm should be caused to the IAF Wing Commander and summoned the acting high commissioner of Pakistan to demand his immediate and safe return.

4. Sources in the Indian Army have also stated that the captured IAF officer should be extended all courtesies accorded to prisoners of war under the Geneva Conventions, no matter whether it is declared war or not.

International /the Hindu

Pic courtesy:The Financial Express