At that time, Yadav was a prominent sailor of the Indian Navy and was posted as an instructor at the Naval Diving School in Kochi, Kerala. War experience in 1971 also made Chiman one of the early founders of the Bangladesh Navy.
His picture from 1971
Yadav’s story has all the ingredients of a Bollywood potboiler. He joined the Indian Navy at the age of 16 as a sailor (jawan) and later trained Mukti Bahini fighters as naval commandos for Bangladesh. He also fought the Indo-Pak War of 1971, was shot in the conflict, and spent time in enemy captivity in critically wounded condition as a Prisoner of War (PoW), and to complete his military service. returned safely.
Then PM Indira Gandhi reached the hospital to meet Chiman Singh Yadav
Yadav, who recently turned 76, said that during his posting at the Naval Diving School in March 1971, he was suddenly ordered to report to Calcutta. At that time, he had no idea about his new assignment. Upon reaching Calcutta, he and other naval personnel were tasked by top naval officers to train Mukti Bahini freedom fighters so that the trainees could destroy enemy ships or harbors. some Bengali naval personnel of Pakistani Army Those who had defected during the war also accompanied the soldiers of the Indian Navy and were helping them train Mukti Bahini fighters. “After shortlisting the young boys, we recruited them in Khulna river and trained them till they were sent for the operation,” he recalled.
She has been honored by Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina and President Abdul Hameed
Later, these commandos trained by Yadav and other naval personnel took part in several daring naval operations in Bangladesh and inflicted heavy losses on the Pakistani Army. A renowned commando of the Indian Navy, Yadav also participated in some operations with Mukti Bahini fighters.
After the war formally began, Yadava took part in the struggle aboard a gunboat for the target. Pakistan forces. In early December 1971, his boat was damaged, but Yadav rescued some fellow soldiers who had come under attack from Pakistani troops. He too was hit by bullets and shrapnel and was captured by Pakistani soldiers along with other naval personnel. After being in enemy captivity for almost a week, he was released as Pakistani forces in that area surrendered to Indian forces.
On his return, he was awarded the MVC for his contribution to the war.
Yadav retired with the rank of a petty officer, which is equivalent to the rank of Subedar. Indian Army. In recognition of his contribution, Yadav was awarded the ‘Friends of Liberation War Award’ by the then President of Bangladesh in 2013. In 2017, in recognition of the exceptional gallantry act of its commandos, the diving facility at Southern Naval Command Kochi was named after Yadav.
acts of selflessness, quotes say
The Maha Vir Chakra citation awarded to Chiman Singh Yadav reads: “Leading Seaman Chiman Singh was a member of a ship that attacked enemy positions in the Mongla and Khulna areas during the period from 8 to 11 December 1971. Khulna While operating, his boat sank. He was badly injured by shrapnel. Enemy coast guards opened fire on the survivors in the water. Leading seaman Singh noticed that it was difficult to rescue the two survivors, including an injured officer. Despite being wounded and not caring for his personal safety, he went to their rescue and carried them to the shore through heavy enemy fire. Upon reaching the shore, in spite of his wounds, he left the enemy’s side. Exposing himself to fire, he ran on the enemy, making it possible for two of his allies to avoid being captured by the enemy. The leading seaman Singh was eventually reinforced and taken prisoner by the enemy. Upon the liberation of Bangladesh He was admitted to the hospital after recovering.Throughout the course, Leading Seaman Chiman Singh made a special appearance. Showed bravery and determination.
Victory of 50 Years War of 1971
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. As a large number of soldiers from the region fight in the war on different fronts, The Times of India spoke to some military veterans and their families to give you interesting anecdotes about the war.
Advanced training for Bengali rebels
According to Yadav, it was easy to train the youth of Mukti Vahini as they were motivated, patriotic and loyal. He was easily trained in almost all aspects of warfare, and performed extremely well. The naval veteran claimed that the entire world was not aware that they were training Mukti Bahini fighters with all kinds of advanced techniques, including underwater swimming and the use of explosives for naval operations . However, Pakistan was aware of it, he said.
Take the ring, but don’t cut the finger, she said
When Yadav was caught by Pakistani soldiers, a soldier looked at his wedding ring. On this Yadav politely asked him to pull it with the finger instead of cutting off the whole finger. Pakistani soldiers also snatched his watch
lied about the sinking Pakistani ship
While Yadav was in captivity, one of the Pakistani soldiers asked him about the status of his country’s naval ship.PNS Ghazi‘ Because his father was working on it. As Ghazi was sunk by India, Yadav realized that if he revealed the truth, the soldier could harm him and other Indian PoWs. Yadav told him that all the soldiers on ‘PNS Ghazi’ were safe.
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