Ministry of information and technology sought the removal of 11 videos about Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman from Google-owned YouTube. The online streaming provider complied with order.
New Delhi: 11 video links of the Indian Air Force have been removed from Google-owned YouTube. This, after the IT ministry asked the video streaming platform to do so.
IT ministry official said that it had asked YouTube to remove as many as 11 video links that concerned Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who had been captured by the Pakistan Army.
Google spokesperson, in a statement, said, "We comply with valid legal requests from authorities wherever possible, consistent with our long-standing policy and act quickly to remove such material.”
He also went on to say that data on government requests to remove content from Google services are updated periodically in their transparency report.
The captured IAF pilot will be freed on Friday "as a peace gesture", Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan announced on Thursday.
Addressing the Assembly, Imran Khan said, "As a peace gesture, I announce that tomorrow (Friday), and as a first step to open negotiations, Pakistan will be releasing the Indian Air Force officer in our custody.
The Pakistan PM added, “I address the Indian government, do not force us for retaliation. We are prepared for any eventuality and response. I beseech India not to force us down the path of war. Our efforts to de-escalate should not be considered our weakness. We are making efforts to maintain peace in the region.”
India had earlier urged Pakistan to immediately release the IAF pilot. The MEA, in a statement, said, "India also strongly objected to Pakistan's vulgar display of an injured personnel of the IAF in violation of all norms of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Convention.”
MEA also said that Pakistan would be well-advised to ensure that no harm comes to the Indian defence personnel in its custody.
On Wednesday, IAF’s Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman fell across the border during a dogfight after his MiG 21 Bison had been shot down.
The nation stood in unity demanding the immediate release of its Defence personnel.
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