New Delhi, Oct 2: Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora has demanded Ashok Chakra award for Indian Captain Smit Machchhar, who reportedly prevented the crash of Flydubai flight FZ 1073 carrying Israeli passengers.
The Rajya Sabha MP has written to the Prime Minister seeking the Ashok Chakra award for the Mumbai-born pilot. According to Deora, Machchhar displayed exceptional courage while operating the Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv during a critical mid-air situation. He described the act as an example of courage, selflessness and dedication. Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has backed the demand of Deora.
Shinde and Shiv Sena shared Deora's letter on X, in which he described the pilot as the "son of Mumbai".
The Indian pilot has received widespread praise for his bravery, with several global leaders and other prominent figures calling for him to be awarded the Ashoka Chakra, the highest peacetime gallantry award of India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump are among those who have acknowledged his actions.
Shefali Vaidya, Major DP Singh back demand
Writer Shefali Vaidya, while tagging PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, said the pilot deserved the Ashoka Chakra for saving the lives of 200 passengers despite being seriously injured himself.
Major DP Singh, India's first blade runner and a recipient of the Limca and National Awards, also said Machchhar deserved the country's highest peacetime gallantry award.
PM Modi speaks to pilot
PM Modi spoke to Machchhar over the phone on Friday and enquired about his health. The pilot is now undergoing treatment at a hospital in Abu Dhabi after being airlifted from Tabuk. According to the Indian Embassy in the UAE, he is in good condition and recovering rapidly. The government is also in continuous contact with his family. Machchhar was reportedly attacked with a knife by his co-pilot inside the cockpit of Flydubai flight FZ 1073.
