Abhinandan: Crowds gather for Indian pilot's release

Crowds of Indians are gathering near a border crossing with Pakistan ahead of the release of an Indian fighter pilot captured by Pakistan.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan said the pilot would be released as a "peace gesture" on Friday. India's military welcomed the move.

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman's plane was shot down in the disputed region of Kashmir on Wednesday.

Both countries are under pressure to calm tensions.

On Friday Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the events of the past few days had "brought our nation closer".

"The way the nation has supported our armed forces is extraordinary and I bow to every Indian for that," he said.

On Thursday Mr Khan repeated his call for the de-escalation of the situation, saying that Pakistan and India "have to live in peace". He has also pushed for talks with Delhi.

Source : bbc News