Several BJP leaders, including Union minister Rajnath Singh and party chief Nitin Nabin, on Thursday lauded Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for his courage in averting disaster by fighting off his co-pilot’s alleged attempt to crash the flydubai aircraft carrying 174 passengers.
flydubai flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, transmitted emergency signals on Wednesday and made a sharp descent of more than 17,000 feet from 34,000 feet before diverting to Prince Sultan Bin Abdel Aziz Airport in Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk city on Wednesday. Machchhar, who received serious injuries, is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Saudi Arabia.
“The nation stands with Captain Smit Machchhar and takes immense pride in his extraordinary courage. Putting his own life on the line, he upheld the highest traditions of duty and service, helping protect the lives of everyone on board,” Rajnath Singh said in a post on X.
“His courage, composure and sense of duty will remain an enduring source of inspiration for the nation. Wishing him a speedy and complete recovery,” the defence minister added.
Nabin said Machchhar had shown the world what “true courage” looks like and pointed out that his actions helped save hundreds of lives.
“Stabbed and gravely wounded, he answered the call of duty, placing the safety of others above his own to help stop a deadly attack in mid-air,” Nabin said on X.
“His actions helped save hundreds of lives. India is proud of his bravery and will remember his commitment to service and responsibility with deep gratitude. Praying for his swift recovery and good health,” he said.
BJP leader Nitin Gadkari said Machchhar’s extraordinary courage in the face of grave danger is an inspiration to the nation.
“Despite suffering serious injuries, he remained steadfast in his duty and put the safety of others before himself. His presence of mind and selfless actions helped protect countless lives and prevent a major tragedy,” he said, adding that India salutes his spirit and dedication.
Union minister Piyush Goyal hailed Machchhar as a “true hero in every sense of the word”, saying that under severe attack and despite being gravely injured, he fought back with “sheer grit”, regained control of the aircraft after it faced a sudden 14,000-foot plunge and saved 174 lives from “certain catastrophe”.
“His courage in the face of mortal danger reflects the finest mettle of an Indian aviator. 140 crore Indians stand tall with pride today. Saluting his extraordinary valour and praying for his swift recovery,” Goyal said.
His ministerial colleague Shivraj Singh Chouhan said Machchhar’s courage reflected the “finest values of India”, noting that even when his own life was at risk and he was seriously injured, his “first thought was for the safety of others”.
“His courage reflects a deeply held Indian value: in moments of danger, we do not turn away from those in need, we step forward to protect and help them,” he said.
“His bravery reflects the courage, discipline and sense of duty that define our finest aviators,” said party leader Sambit Patra.
(PTI)
