Government fact-checks claims of Air Force officer's sacking over Pak war stance
The government on Thursday debunked claims by several pro-Pakistan social media accounts that falsely claimed that Air Marshal Sujeet Pushpakar Dharkar, who retired as Vice Chief of Air Staff last month, was sacked for refusing to fight a war against Pakistan.In a post on X, the Press Information Bureau (PIB)'s Fact-Check unit said Air Marshal Dharkar retired as Vice Chief of the Air Staff on April 30. He superannuated from the Air Force on the completion of 40 years of service.
advertisementAir Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, currently serving as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Air Command, is set to take charge as the new Vice Chief of the Air Staff on Friday.
On the day of his superannuation, Air Marshal Dharkar was given a guard of honour at the Air Headquarters, Vayu Bhawan. He also paid tribute to the fallen heroes at the National War Memorial in Delhi.In October last year, Air Marshal Dharkar, an accomplished fighter pilot, assumed charge as Vice Chief of the Air Staff. He had succeeded Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, who is currently the Air Force Chief.The government's response to claims surrounding Air Marshal Dharkar's "sacking" came amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives. The attack occurred in Baisaran Valley - a meadow that is accessible only by foot or horseback - when terrorists opened fire on tourists.advertisementPrime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to "pursue" the perpetrators and their backers "to the ends of the earth".India downgraded its ties with Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack and took several diplomatic measures, including the pausing of the Indus Waters Treaty, expelling all Pakistani military attaches, closing its airspace to Pakistani airlines and the shutting down of the Attari-Wagah border. In response, Pakistan undertook tit-for-tat measures and suspended the Simla Agreement.India on Thursday relaxed its deadline allowing Pakistani nationals to return to Pakistan via the Attari-Wagah border. But, Pakistan has not yet reciprocated with the same measure by allowing Indian nationals into the country.
IN THIS STORY#Pakistan#Narendra Modi#Jammu and Kashmir
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