My Father Refused Offer For My Early Release as PoW: KC Cariappa

General Cariappa refused Pakistan’s offer to return his son KC Cariappa who was a prisoner of war in 1965.

(Photo: The Quint)

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan announced on 28 February 2019 that Wing Commander Abhinandan who was in Pakistan’s custody would be returned to India on 1 March. Soon after, senior journalist MK Venu shared a tweet that said this was the fastest release of an Indian prisoner of war (PoW) in history.

He added in the tweet that Pakistani Field Marshal Ayub Khan had offered General KM Cariappa the release of his son, Air Marshal KC Cariappa, a downed pilot in 1965 war, within a day, but that General Cariappa refused saying he didn't want a special favour.

So is this true?

The Quint spoke to Former Air Marshal KC Cariappa about his time as a prisoner of war (POW) to find out.

Former Air Marshal Cariappa said that his father was a man of principle, and that he would never want preferential treatment for his son.

“My father was a man of principle and I can never imagine him asking for preferential treatment for his son. I also knew that if I were given the opportunity to go back alone I would have never been able to live with myself. I felt I’d come as a prisoner of war and I’ll go back with the other prisoners.”

Former Air Marshal KC Cariappa

I Was Treated the Same as Everyone Else: Former Air Marshal KC Cariappa

Pakistani Field Marshal Ayub Khan had served under the Air Marshal’s father, General KM Cariappa, prior to partition. Khan served as the Battalion commander under General Cariappa in the Northwest provinces. He was the one who had reportedly offered to release Air Marshal Cariappa within a day of his arrest. But did he offer any special treatment to the Air Marshal during his time as a POW?

“There was no question of special treatment. I received good medical treatment. I believe even young Abhinandan received good medical care. But I was in solitary confinement for long periods, and I can assure you there was no special treatment.”

Former Air Marshal Cariappa 

Listen to the podcast for the full interview.