Narayanasamy welcomes Abhinandan return, says pilot 'heroism is laudable'

Puducherry Chief minister Narayanasamy Friday welcomed the news of the imminent release of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman from Pakistan's custody, and said his "heroism is laudable."

Hailing the Indian Air Force pilot, the Chief Minister said, "millions of Indians' prayers are with you and I am proud of you as Indian first and Tamilian next." Meanwhile, Lt Governor Kiran Bedi said in a tweet that"the country salutes Abhinandan, his family, IAF, India'sleadership and Government of India as a whole".

(With inputs from agencies.)