India cheers as IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman returns home from Pakistan

Leaders cutting across party lines welcomed the pilot's return and lauded him for his poise and courage and for making the country proud

It was a day of frenzy at the Wagah-Attari border with thousands of people and media persons waiting with tricolours, garlands, and cameras to give Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman a hero’s welcome. After nearly three days in captivity and a long day completing formalities at the Wagah checkpost on the Pakistani side, the Indian Air Force pilot finally entered India at 9.20 pm. Wearing a dark jacket and khakhi trousers, he walked proudly toward the gates that separated his captor’s country from his homeland.

He was soon whisked away by Indian authorities for more formalities. Amritsar’s Deputy Commissioner Shiv Dular Singh