MISSING IAF PLANE: KIN HOPE FOR A MIRACLE
As the arduous operation to trace the IAF’s missing AN-32 aircraft stretched into the third day on Sunday, the kin of those aboard the plane are praying for the save return of their loved ones. Of 29 missing personnel, two each are from J&K and Haryana.
UDHAMPUR/KATHUA: As search for the AN-32 Indian Air Force aircraft, which went missing over the Bay of Bengal with 29 people on board, is on family members of IAF personnel from Ramban and Kathua district, wait and pray in hope that their loved ones will return.
24-year-old IAF jawan Pritam Chand of Papariya village of Karma Panchyat in Ramban district was on board the missing aircraft. With tears in their eyes, parents of the jawan say, “We received his last call three-four days back, when he reached Chennai and was about to board the aircraft bound for Port Blair.”
Hans Raj, Pritam’s father says before leaving, his son told him that he will return after two years and will marry then. “We pray that not only our son, but all 29 on board the AN-32 safely return to their home,” say parents of Pritam Chand.
Pritam Chand’s brother says he may have lost his brother but the family is proud of him.
He appealed to the government to step up efforts to locate the plane and “bring back the survivors”. There is no road connectivity and power in Pritam’s village. His friends inform that his entire family was dependent upon him, as he was the only earning hand.
‘HE TOLD HIS WIFE HE WILL BE BACK SOON ’
Another family in Kathua district awaits return of their member, Gurdayal Choudhary — a corporal in IAF. Gurdayal, 28, is one of the crew members on board the missing plane.
The airman, who was living in Chennai, was on official duty on AN 32. Recently married, he hails from Sukhdevpur Banyari village in Kathua.
His family members are hopeful that their son will return safe. “Almost a year ago, he was posted in Coimbatore. On July 22, he left his quarter around 4am, telling his wife he will be back soon.
He also informed her over phone from Tambaram air base that he is flying to Port Blair,” says Choudhary Chura Ram, Gurdayal’s father.
He informs that an official of the IAF informed the family about the incident on Saturday. “Ever since the news came, the entire village has been praying for his safe return and watching news to know about the missing plane,” Rakesh Choudhary, one of the cousins of the missing airman says. Gurdayal’s younger brother — Sanjay, a CRPF jawan posted in Chhattisgarh, has rushed to Chennai to keep a track on search operations. He said soon after passing his secondary school examination, his son joined IAF as an airman.