Confer Param Vir Chakra on Abhinandan: TN CM

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami on Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to confer the nation's highest military honour, Param Vir Chakra, on Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.

In a letter to Modi, the text of which was released to the media here, Palaniswami said Abhinandan who piloted a MiG 21 Bison was taken into custody by Pakistan armed forces.

Palaniswami said Abhinandan displayed amazing poise and confidence in the face of adverse conditions, which has won him many hearts across the country.

"It is appropriate that he be awarded India's highest military honour, Param Vir Chakra (PVC), for displaying most inimitable gallantry and valour," Palaniswami said.

Palaniswami said a suicide terror attack by a Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) on February 14 led to the martyrdom of 40 brave CRPF troopers.

"In response, India initiated counter terrorism action against a training camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed in Pakistan. One Pakistan Air Force fighter was shot down by MiG 21 Bison of the Indian Air Force when it tried to violate our air space," Palaniswami said.