IT was officially announced from Karachi at 11-15 … that HMIS ‘Hindustan’ had been brought under fire and had surrendered after 25 minutes. …HMS ‘Hindustan’ surrendered following exchange of shells between the British artilleries and the “mutineers”. British paratroops are now in the process of occupation of the vessel and clearance of the casualties. Following the exchange of shelling … the casualties among the Indian ratings [sailors] of HMIS ‘Hindustan’ are now being taken in a number of ambulances though Queens’s Road escorted by British paratroops in jeeps. While these paratroops were escorting the ambulance, a large crowd, mostly students, stoned them heavily. …Paratroops are posted along the native jetty where they have mounted artillery and heavy guns. All approaches to Keamari have been closed. The city is observing ‘hartal’… .

[Meanwhile it was reported that] Mr. M.A. Jinnah, President of the All-India Muslim League in a statement issued from Calcutta on Friday [Feb 22], has offered his services unreservedly for the cause of the RIN [Royal Indian Navy] men to see that justice is done to them. He appeals to the men to call off the strike and to the public not to add to the difficulties of the situation.

Published in Dawn, February 23rd, 2021