Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Congress on Wednesday postponed the meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) scheduled for Thursday in Ahmedabad.
The CWC, the party's highest decision-making body, was to be attended by the Congress leadership including President Rahul Gandhi, General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi and United Progressive Alliance Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.
They were also set to address a public rally in Adalaj in Gujarat. A party leader said that a decision on the next date for the meeting will soon be taken.
The conflict between India and Pakistan escalated when the latter violated the Line of Control on Wednesday. Following this, India reportedly shot down a Pakistani F-16 that had violated the Indian airspace.
On Wednesday morning, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi released a statement, that said, “Today, Pakistan Air Force undertook strikes across Line of Control from within Pakistani airspace. This was not a retaliation to continued Indian belligerence. Pakistan has therefore, taken strikes at non military target, avoiding human loss and collateral damage. Sole purpose being to demonstrate our right, will and capability for self defence. We have no intention of escalation, but are fully prepared to do so if forced into that paradigm. That is why we undertook the action with clear warning and in broad daylight.”
Later on, there were reports that Pakistan had shot down an Indian aircraft in Pakistani airspace. the spokesperson of the Pakistani Armed Forces further claimed on his Twitter that they had captured two Indian Air Force pilots. While videos of an IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman in custody of Pakistani officials started doing the rounds, there has been no confirmation from the Indian government yet. There is also no confirmation on if a second pilot has been arrested, and who he is.
A statement is expected from the Indian government on the matter shortly. Pakistan PM Imran Khan is also likely to address his country soon.
(With IANS inputs)