Victory Flame travels to warships at Kidderpore dock

Kolkata: The Victory Flame travelling across the country as part of the Swarnim Vijay Varsh celebrations was taken to the Kidderpore Dock in Kolkata where the Indian Navy’s INS Airavat and INS Kora are now berthed. The naval ships are in the city as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the 1971 Indo-Pak War. While the INS Airavat is a Shardul-class amphibious warfare vessel, the INS Kora is the lead ship of the Kora-class corvettes.Both the ships were built at the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers in the city.
“Both the INS Airavat and INS Kora that are on operational Covid duties were diverted to Kolkata to participate in the Swarnim Vijay Varsh celebrations. This year, we are celebrating 50 years of the 1971 Indo-Pak War that led to Bangladesh’s Independence. The Navy played a very important role in the War, both in the western and eastern theatres. Visitors to the ships are getting to know of the contribution,” said a senior official.
The Indian Navy carried out a daring attack on Karachi Harbour on December 4, 1971. This resulted in the blockade of the Harbour and the prevention of men and materials from western Pakistan to the east. Imports to Pakistan were also curtailed after the Indian Navy imposed restrictions on the movement of ships towards Karachi. Barely 10 days later, the Navy played a crucial part in blockading the Chittagong and Mongla ports of Bangladesh to prevent Pakistani troops from escaping. Aircraft from the INS Vikrant also carried out strikes over East Pakistan and helped sink Pakistani vessels.
The aircraft carrier also stood firm even after the US diverted a fleet towards the Bay of Bengal. “The Navy has continued to provide security and act as the country’s ambassadors to friendly nations. Our ships have sailed to foreign shores to provide humanitarian aid during natural disasters. They have also sailed for friendly visits and exercises. The INS Airavat played an important role in evacuating Indians stuck abroad during the pandemic. During the year, we want youngsters to learn more about the Navy and the important role it has been playing. Kolkata is of greater importance as many of Indian’s warships were built in the city. The Indian Navy has achieved a major level of indigenisation over the years,” the official added.
On Tuesday, the Victory Flame was first received at INS Netaji Subhas, the Navy office in Kolkata, before being moved to the ships. The Flame was then taken along the Hooghly by the Navy’s patrol boats. Once back on shore, the Flame was taken to Lascar Memorial where a ceremony was held and attended by serving and retired naval personnel. Apart from Army formations at Kolkata, Panagarh and Barrackpore, the Flame was also taken to Indian Air Force bases at Kalaikunda, Panagarh and Barrackpore.
“After all, the War was a joint effort. Just as the Army fought on the ground, our fighter aircraft practically finished off any threat from the air while the Navy blockaded the harbours, sunk enemy ships and destroyed the large fuel tanks at Karachi. During the year, we shall celebrate the contributions of all three forces. The year is of particular importance in West Bengal as the state was affected the most,” said another official.