Gonda (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 1 (ANI): Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh has hailed the bravery shown by Captain Smith Machar as he saved several lives by managing to thwart off a cockpit attack and ensuring that the cockpit door was opened to allow a rescue attempt.
Kirti Vardhan Singh said, “The bravery he displayed during the incident is a matter of great pride; he did an incredibly courageous job and deserves all the praise. 174 lives were saved, and it is by the grace of God, but the other side of this is the manner in which terrorism is spreading across the world, which is a serious issue. Innocent people, passengers, the general public, tourists, and children are the targets of terrorism, but terrorists have no regard for this and have no feelings regarding it. This is a serious issue. Along with fighting terrorism, we must also condemn it. Wherever governments and countries are involved in promoting terrorism, all countries must come forward to prevent it, fight against this growing terrorism, and root it out entirely, so that our citizens, our children, and our tourists can live their lives peacefully and without any fear.”
Earlier, highlighting India’s steadfast solidarity following a terrifying mid-air incident aboard an Israel-bound flight after a violent mid-air cockpit attack, the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi shared on X that Ambassador Deepak Mittal and Consul General in Dubai Vishnu Vardhan Reddy met the family members of Captain Smit Machchhar to convey unwavering support.
“Amb @d_mittal73 & CG Dr. E. Vishnu Vardhan Reddy met the family members of Captain Smit Machchhar to convey the Govt of India’s unwavering support to the hero and his family. India stands immensely proud of Captain Smit for his exceptional bravery and selfless service,” the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi posted on X.
Echoing the sentiment, India’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Deepak Mittal, posted on X, “We are proud of Capt Smit for his bravery to save so many lives and avert a tragedy. Just met the family and conveyed the greetings conveyed full support of the Government of India in ensuring welfare and wellbeing of the Indian Hero.”
India’s Consul General in Dubai, Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, joined the Ambassador in reaching out to the family to reassure them of the nation’s steadfast backing and appreciation for the pilot’s extraordinary courage.
The high-level outreach came after Flydubai Flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia following an altercation in the cockpit in which Captain Machchhar was seriously injured.
Warning that the terrifying mid-air incident could have resulted in catastrophic mass casualties, officials underscored the gravity of the emergency before the aircraft was successfully diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Earlier, PM Modi praised Captain Machchhar for displaying courage despite being seriously injured.
“The incident that occurred yesterday, Captain Smit of India demonstrated remarkable patience, presence of mind, and courage; indeed, as the Prime Minister of Israel stated today, an Indian prevented a 9/11-style tragedy. For every citizen of our country, Smit’s valor fills us with immense pride,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister said he had spoken to Machchhar’s family and enquired about his health.
“Today, I had a conversation with his father Bhupendrabhai, his mother Gitaben, and his wife Sonalben. His medical treatment is currently ongoing, and today the entire world feels proud of him,” he said.
Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is a seasoned aviator with more than 13 years of commercial aviation experience and around 9,750 total flying hours, predominantly operating Boeing 737 aircraft. Before joining Flydubai, he spent 11 years with SpiceJet, where he served as a Line Training Captain. (ANI)
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