INS Khukri was an Indian Navy frigate that served during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. On December 9, 1971, while escorting a convoy off the coast of Diu, INS Khukri was hit by three torpedoes fired by a Pakistani submarine. The ship sank, and 18 officers and 176 sailors lost their lives. This tragic incident remains one of the darkest moments in the history of the Indian Navy.
History of INS Khukri
INS Khukri was commissioned in 1968 and was the lead ship of her class. She was named after the khukri, a curved Nepalese knife that is the traditional weapon of the Gurkhas. The ship was 112 meters long and had a displacement of 2,850 tons. She was armed with a variety of weapons, including anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and guns.
The 1971 Indo-Pakistani War
The 1971 Indo-Pakistani War was a military conflict between India and Pakistan that lasted for two weeks in December. One of the key aspects of the war was the naval blockade of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) by the Indian Navy. INS Khukri was one of the ships assigned to escort a convoy of merchant vessels that was carrying essential supplies for Indian troops in East Pakistan.
The Sinking of INS Khukri
On the night of December 9, 1971, INS Khukri was hit by three torpedoes fired by a Pakistani submarine, PNS Hangor. The ship began to sink rapidly, and the crew was ordered to abandon ship. Despite the difficult conditions, the crew worked tirelessly to save as many lives as possible. However, the ship eventually sank, taking 18 officers and 176 sailors with it.
Legacy of INS Khukri
The sinking of INS Khukri remains a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the Indian Navy during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. In recognition of their bravery, four sailors were awarded the Vir Chakra, while the commanding officer, Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla, was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra.
The sinking of INS Khukri is an important part of the naval history of Diu, a small coastal town in the Indian state of Gujarat. Diu was a strategic location during the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, and played a significant role in Indian naval operations in the Arabian Sea.
Today, Diu is home to a number of monuments and memorials dedicated to the Indian Navy and its sailors, including the INS Khukri Memorial. The memorial was built in 1999 to honor the 18 officers and 176 sailors who lost their lives in the sinking of INS Khukri. The monument is located on the waterfront in Diu, and features a large stone structure with a plaque commemorating the crew of Khukri.
In addition to the INS Khukri Memorial, Diu is also home to the Diu Fort, a historic structure built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. The fort played a strategic role in the naval battles of the 1965 and 1971 wars, and is now a popular tourist attraction.
The legacy of INS Khukri is an important part of the history and culture of Diu, and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Indian sailors in defense of their country. The INS Khukri monument in Diu is a testament to the bravery and dedication of the crew of INS Khukri.
Lessons learned from the sinking
The sinking of INS Khukri had a profound impact on the Indian Navy, and several lessons were learned from the experience. One of the most significant lessons was the importance of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) in naval operations, and the need for better training and equipment for ASW. Additionally, the sinking highlighted the vulnerability of surface ships to submarine attacks, and led to increased investment in submarine technology and capabilities.
Impact on Indian naval operations and strategy
The sinking of INS Khukri also had an impact on Indian naval operations and strategy. In the years following the sinking, the Indian Navy shifted its focus to developing a more modern, flexible fleet that could respond to a range of threats. This included investing in new ships, submarines, and aircraft, as well as developing new operational concepts and doctrines. The sinking also highlighted the need for greater cooperation and coordination with other branches of the Indian armed forces, and led to the establishment of the tri-service Andaman and Nicobar Command in 2001, which is responsible for defending India’s eastern seaboard.
Visit to Diu and INS Khukri Memorial
Once you reach Diu, you can visit INS Khukri Memorial, which is located in the Diu area, about 3 km from the main city. You can hire an auto rikshaw to reach the memorial.
Conclusion
INS Khukri was a frigate of the Indian Navy that was sunk by a Pakistani submarine during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. The incident took place on December 9, 1971, off the coast of Diu.
The ship was under the command of Captain M. N. Mulla, and had a crew of 18 officers and 176 sailors. As the ship was patrolling the area, it was attacked by the Pakistani submarine PNS Hangor, which fired torpedoes at it. INS Khukri was hit by two torpedoes and sank within minutes, taking down most of its crew.
The sinking of INS Khukri was a significant loss for the Indian Navy, and it remains one of the worst naval disasters in its history. However, the bravery and sacrifice of the crew during the incident have become a part of the ship’s legacy. Many survivors of the incident were rescued by fishermen from Diu, and the local people have been honored for their role in the rescue efforts.
The Indian Navy has continued to remember and honor the crew of INS Khukri over the years. The sinking of INS Khukri serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by naval personnel and the bravery required to protect our country.