KARACHI: Pakistan Navy celebrated the 49th Hangor Day on Wednesday.

The day is celebrated to commemorate the historic event in which Pakistan Navy submarine Hangor sank Indian Navy frigate Khukri and crippled INS Kirpan in a spectacular war action during 1971. Hangor Day, a reminder of the unmatched courage and unwavering commitment of Pakistan Navy’s submarine Hangor, is celebrated by Pakistan Navy on every Dec 9.

Like each year, this year also witnessed an impressive ceremony at the PN Dockyard, Karachi. Pakistan Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Naveed Ashraf graced the ceremony as chief guest.

PNS Hangor remained a pride for Pakistan Navy in 1971 war and its gallant action was not only a spectacular tactical battle resulting in the sinking of Indian Navy’s frigate but it was a strategic overture of Pakistan Navy which effectively thwarted and marginalised Indian aggression imposed on Pakistan during the 1971 war.

The heroic action took place at southeast of Diu Head on the west coast of India. The event is distinguished in naval history for being the first and only successful kill by a conventional submarine after World War II. Owing to the outstanding leadership of its commanding officer, then commander Ahmed Tasnim, and his professional crew, the enemy remained unable to detect the submarine as it successfully returned to Karachi on completion of the mission.

On Hangor Day this year a message from retired vice admiral Ahmed Tasnim was also played. The admiral paid rich tributes to the valiant crew for their service in defence of the motherland in general and Pakistan Navy in particular. He said PNS Hangor was a luminous part of Pakistan Navy’s history and would always be remembered as such. Hangor was the first of Daphne-class submarines acquired from France.

Published in Dawn, December 10th, 2020