In the wake of the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan after the February 14 Pulwama attack, the two countries engaged in air combat on Wednesday in which India lost a MiG 21 plane and one pilot was taken into Pakistan’s custody.
‘We have unfortunately lost one MiG 21. The pilot is missing in action. Pakistan has claimed that he is in their custody. We are ascertaining the facts,’ the MEA statement said.
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India has made it clear that Pakistan would be well advised to ensure that no harm comes to the Indian defence personnel in its custody under the norms of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Convention.
As the pilot was is in full military flying dress, he will be treated as a prisoner of war. India and Pakistan both are signatories of the Geneva Conventions.
What is the Geneva Convention?
The aim of this document, ‘The Geneva Conventions and the Additional Protocols-Basic Rules’, is to provide the rules of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in armed conflicts.
The rules of war are universal. The Geneva Conventions (which are the core element of IHL) have been ratified by all 196 states. Very few international treaties have this level of support.
Key points of the Geneva Convention-
- People who do not take a direct part in hostilities are entitled to respect for their lives and their moral and physical integrity. They shall in all circumstances be protected and treated humanely without any adverse distinction.
- It is forbidden to kill or injure an enemy who surrenders.
- The wounded and sick shall be collected and cared for by the party to the conflict which has them in its power.
- Captured combatants and civilians under the authority of an adverse party are entitled to respect for their lives, dignity, personal rights and convictions. They shall be protected against all acts of violence and reprisals. They shall have the right to correspond with their families and to receive relief.
- Parties shall at all times distinguish between the civilian population and combatants in order to spare civilian population and property. Neither the civilian population as such nor civilian persons shall be the object of attack. Attacks shall be directed solely against military objectives.
- Countries shall provide minimum conditions of detention and accommodate the POW in terms of food, clothing, hygiene and medical care supplies.