Indo-Pak tension: Government withdraws order, operations in eight airports resume
What's the story
Hours after the government ordered to shut operations in eight airports of Northern India, the directive was withdrawn. Airports of Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar and Leh, Kullu-Manali, Kangra, Shimla, and Pathankot, were shut amid escalating tension between bitter neighbors India and Pakistan. The order affected commercial flights. Now, recent reports suggest operations in many airports, including Jammu, have resumed. Here's all about it.
Crash
Flight operations were shut after IAF flight crashed
The restraint on airspace came after an IAF jet crashed in Budgam earlier today. Two bodies were recovered from the site. Although, IAF hasn't commented on the crash yet, reports widely suggested technical glitch led to the accident. Notably, Pakistan's army spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor confirmed jets of his country were not engaged with the IAF aircraft.
Violation
Pakistan attempted to violate Indian airspace
Earlier in the day, Pakistani jets also attempted to enter Indian airspace. As many as three jets, led by two F-16 jets led the intrusion but were forced to return after facing timely retaliation from IAF. One of the jets was shot down within Pakistan territory in Lam valley, Nowshera sector. However, Pakistan denied India's claim saying F-16 weren't used in Wednesday's operation.
Information
Pakistan also suspended operations in key airports
While action took over skies in J&K, Pakistan also stopped its airport facilities in the country. Reports claimed domestic and international operations at airports in Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, and Sialkot have been halted.
Meeting
Meanwhile, Centre calls all party meet
In New Delhi, the government swung to action. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired an important meeting at his residence where he was briefed about the recent incidents on the border. The Centre also called an emergency all-party meet in the Parliament's premises to inform opposition leaders about the developments. Congress President Rahul Gandhi and former PM Manmohan Singh attended the meeting.