New Delhi, April 21 -- Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who became the face of the tense military confrontation between India and Pakistan, has been shifted out of Srinagar and posted to a frontline air base in the western sector, official sources said on Saturday.

It is also learnt that the IAF is to recommend Varthaman's name for Vir Chakra, the coveted wartime gallantry medal, which is the third highest after the Paramvir Chakra and the Mahavir Chakra. The transfer came after the IAF assessed a security threat to Wing Commander Varthaman's life from terror organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) which has been trying to attack Indian military locations and personnel.

Varthaman, who was captured by Pakistan on February 27 during an ae...