ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy on Sunday celebrated the ‘Hangor Day’ which is reminiscent of unmatched courage and unwavering commitment of Pakistan Navy’s submarine Hangor on December 9 during the 1971 war.
In order to commemorate the 47th Hangor Day, a simple yet elegant ceremony was organised by the 5th Submarine Squadron. The spectacular naval action had taken place 30 miles south east of ‘Diu Head’ on west coast of India. The event is distinguished in naval history for being the first successful kill by a submarine after the WW-II. In recognition of their courage, the valiant crew of Hangor was decorated with four Sitara-e-Jurrat, six Tamgha-e-Jurrat and 14 lmtiazi Asnaad, the highest number of operational gallantry awards given to a single unit of Pakistan Navy.
The Sunday’s ceremony was held in the folds of PNS/M Hangor at Pakistan Maritime Museum. Vice Admiral (r) Abaid Ullah Khan graced the occasion as chief guest. Commander Pakistan Fleet Rear Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi received the chief guest upon arrival.
While addressing the gathering, the chief guest emphasized that submarine Hangor remained a pride for Pakistan Navy in 1971 war whose gallant action was not only a spectacular tactical battle resulting in sinking of Indian Navy’s frigate but it was a strategic overture of Pakistan Navy which effectively thwarted and marginalized the Indian aggression imposed on Pakistan during the war. He also highlighted that the moment Khukri went down, it crippled Indian Navy’s morale and its nefarious designs of subsequent attacks at Karachi. The sinking inflicted the largest number of causalities of the Indian Navy during 1971 war – a loss of 18 Indian officers and 176 sailors.
Vice Admiral (r) Abaid Ullah also paid rich tribute to heroic action of PNS/M Ghazi which was deployed off Vishakhapatnam. Fearing PNS/M Ghazi, the Indian Navy moved its carrier force (Indian Navy Ship Vikrant) further eastward to Andaman Island, much away from the scene of action and thus remaining ineffective throughout the war.
Later, the guests were invited to visit ex-PNS/M Hangor displayed at Pakistan Maritime Museum, Karachi, to revive their golden memories.
The ceremony was attended by Submarine Hangor’s veterans and a large number of senior serving and retired naval officers.
Published in Daily Times, December 10th 2018.