IAF pilot's wife has important message for "social media warriors"
The wife of Squadron Leader Ninad Mandavgane, who was among the seven who lost their lives after an IAF jet crashed earlier this week, has asked social media warriors to not spew venom and do something constructive for the country instead. A video of Vijeta Mandavgane has gone viral on social media in which she appealed to Indians to not whip up their sentiments.
Backstory: IAF-jet crashed; Seven, including one civilian, lost their lives
On Wednesday, Pakistani and Indian jets were engaged in a dogfight. Amid escalating tensions between the bitter neighbors, 24 PAF jets attempted to breach Indian airspace but the formation was thwarted by 8 IAF jets. Around the same time, a Mi-17 chopper crashed in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam region, killing everyone on board. A civilian also lost his life in the accident.
After crash, locals thought Indo-Pak war has started
The IAF jet which crashed was not related to the aerial combat between India and Pakistan, both the countries clarified. Meanwhile, on seeing the aircraft flying dangerously low, residents of Gariend Kallan, where the chopper crashed, assumed Indo-Pak war had started. "It banged on the ground and there were huge flames. After this crash, we were sure that war has started," a local said.
The departed: Officers who passed away in crash
Ninad was cremated with full military honors
Ninad was cremated with complete military honors at Nashik's Amardham Crematorium. He was given 21-gun salute and chants of Shahid Ninad Amar Rahe filled the air. He is survived by his wife and two-year-old daughter Nia. The infant kissed her father's coffin bidding him the final goodbye and tearing up everyone present. 33-year-old Ninad was commissioned in Air Force's helicopter wing in December 2009.
Vijeta said shouting slogans won't do anyone any good
Speaking to reporters about her husband, Vijeta said Ninad wasn't only a good officer but a great citizen as well. On the mood of the nation, Vijeta said a lot was happening on social media and on TV. She said people were raising slogans and adding to the tensions. "Armymen deployed on jobs aren't reading your 'zindabad, murdabad' slogans," Vijeta said.
Instead, Vijeta tells how citizens can help the country
Vijeta suggested that if people really want to do something for Ninad and other martyrs, they should ensure one member of the family joins forces. "If you can't, then at least bring about small changes around you to help the nation. You can keep your surroundings clean, not litter the roads, not urinate in the public, not harassing girls," Vijeta said.
We don't want more Ninads to go, says Vijeta
"We don't want a war. You don't know the damages of war. We don't want more Ninads to go. Social media warriors, please stop. If you want war, go to the front," Vijeta reportedly said.
