Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets perform to commemorate Pakistan Air Force’s ’Operation Swift Retort’, following the shot down of Indian military aircrafts on February 27, 2019 in Kashmir, during an air show in Karachi, Pakistan February 27, 2020. (Photo by AFP)

he wreckage of an Indian fighter jet was on display in Pakistan. The Russian-made Indian MiG-21 was shot down by Pakistan exactly a year ago during a military standoff between the two countries.

This is the place close to the Line of Control in the disputed Kashmir region where the Indian plane was crashed. The Indian pilot was captured by Pakistan, but released within 48 hours to ease tensions.

A year on, Pakistan marked the day as a major triumph over its arch rival India.

The country’s air force chief attended a special ceremony to pay tribute to the armed forces.

In February last year, Pakistan and India were on the brink of a war when India sent fighter jets across the border for the first time since 1971.

The strikes were in response to an attack that had taken place in Kashmir killing 40 Indian paramilitary troops. India blamed a Pakistan-based group for the attack. Islamabad, however denied the allegations.

The long-standing dispute between India and Pakistan over Kashmir dates back to the 1947 partition of the subcontinent that came following India and Pakistan’s independence from British rule that year.

Both countries lay their claim on the Himalayan region, but control only parts of it.

Relations between India and Pakistan are currently even worse than a year ago. Observers do not see any improvement in their relationship particularly in view of the current situation in Kashmir after India revoked the disputed territory’s semi-autonomous status.

SOURCE: PRESS TV