Indian Navy, in general, never misses recollecting its fallen. This 11th of February marked another testimony to its conviction. Named after the curved battle dagger of the indomitable Gorkhas, the Indian Naval Ship -Khukri (then) sank on the night of 9th December 1971 with 18 officers and 176 sailors, including the Commanding Officer, Capt. Mahendra Nath Mulla, who stayed courageously on the Bridge as the ship went down.
The gallant Captain was later awarded the Mahavir Chakra posthumously. The ship and her fearless crew now lie at a depth of approximately 80m, about 100 nautical miles off Diu.
The Indian Navy paid a unique tribute in eternal gratitude to the ultimate sacrifice of the brave INS Khukri and her crew by laying wreaths underwater at the final resting place of the ship India lost in the 1971 War.
A unique tribute under the deep sea was paid over a touching homage through a poignant reunion as deep-sea divers of the Diving Support Ship, INS Nireekshak, placed three wreaths on the Khukri; one on behalf of the survivors and families of those lost, the second on behalf of all ranks of the Indian Navy and the third on behalf of the Operational Commander, the Commander-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command.
As an institution, Indian Navy believes the valiant Khukri continues to live and will forever inspire a grateful nation and her Armed Forces. Commodore. Srikant Kesnur (retd) Indian Navy and a Naval Historian now, expressed, As we remember the poignant loss of INS Khukri, 51 years ago, on 09 Dec 1971, let us spare a thought for all the 196 who were martyred and 69 who survived. Many of them would have such stories. Most are, possibly, untold. We owe it to them in the true spirit of Remembrance to tell their tales.
The author is a Delhi-based, DCC-qualified defence beat writer and independent contributor to print and online publications
Views are personal.