BLESSED we are to have known V K Das, through my sister and my son. On a Chilly December 1971 evening, after two sorties through the day, Sq Ldr ‘Wicked’ as he was known for his initials as V K Das(Name Changed), just wanted to rest, but the Squadron was instructed to assemble in the War Room. Major Jassi from Longowal, had confirmed inputs, that a huge contingent of Pakistani tanks and troops with armored vehicles were advancing towards his post. Under orders to defend his strategic post at all costs, he realised that his unit was totally outnumbered and ill-equipped to confront and defend. He sent an SOS to the nearest Air Force station for assistance to intervene and engage the enemy at once. Mood was upbeat but serious in War Room. Sq Ldr Das was to lead the mission of Hunters from the Airport which had no night flying facilities, so had to assess the gravity of the situation. The VHF operator took Major Jassi on the line, who gave the vital statistics of speed and number of advancing enemy, his own location and available resources. Without wasting time, ‘Wicked’ analysed the grave situation and scarce time to react.

 

He advised Major Jassi to hold his nerves and defend the post, promising to join the battle by the ‘First light at the crack of dawn’. ‘Over and Out’ the call was over. Obstacles were plenty. First, for the flight path, distance and flying time they shall be using even the last drop of fuel in each of the Seven Hunters, had to be air borne by around 2:30 AM in total darkness, sans any technical facility, to reach the location by dawn. This was a near ‘Suicidal Mission’. Chest pounding loudly, he dialled Sudha and briefed her about the ‘Impossible Mission’. “Impossible? Never!” She screamed loud enough for all to hear. “Man, God has given you once in a lifetime opportunity, give it your all and Win”, assuring “don’t ever worry about us. I’ll be on the tarmac to receive you.” ‘Wicked’ calmed down but had no time to sleep. He tasked his Team to dress up and get battle ready, with the flight plan in the uniform pouch and personally supervising ‘loading’ of each ‘Hunter’. The ‘Station Commander’ was requested to arrange for kerosene ‘Laltens’ to guide the Pilots while taking off in darkness. He inspected the preparations for one last time at 2 AM on December 5, 1971 and gave a ‘Thumps Up’ signal at precisely 2:30 AM. They flew at maximum height to save fuel and tore through the skies to reach at the earliest. By 5 AM, streak of sunlight was visible on the eastern horizon, and then they saw the massive armada of Pakistani tanks and armoured vehicles galloping at a fast speed, towards Indian post. Major Jassi too had been busy encouraging his boys, the whole night, awaiting the attack and equally anxious of IAF’s response. With the rising Sun the Pakistani Tanks rolled in and attacked with full fury. It was a fierce battle and within a short time we had many casualties. Suddenly they heard the roar of Indian ‘Hunters’ which had started bombing and strafing the Pakistani tanks, troops and vehicles.

 

Caught unaware, surprised and shocked, Pakistanis suffered extensive loss of lives, tanks and vehicles. They dispersed, darting around for a non-existent cover. Entire operation was over in precisely 35 minutes. Remaining Pakistanis either fled, were maimed or made a hasty retreat, losing lives on the run. In spite of tragic loss of some bravehearts, our strategic post was well defended, making Pakistanis run with a bloodied nose. Mission accomplished, the seven ‘Hunters’ landed back safely on their Airbase with barely enough fuel in the Tanks. ‘Wicked’ was honoured with Veer Chakra for his exemplary courage, astute planning and successfully executing a rarest of rare near ‘Suicide Mission’. ‘Wicked’ retired, settled and when for the first time in life they were staying together, when Sudha merged with the Supreme. His personal battles continue till date. Spinal injury in a bathroom mishap has confined him to his bed, paralysed waist down but still enjoys a daily ‘evening drink’ and refuses to accept ‘defeat’, as Sudha didn’t have word ‘Impossible’ in her dictionary. Mentor for my son, on a group video call with my sister and my son, ‘Wicked’, reminisces, ‘that day, I became a Super Man, only because of Sudha. If not for her, the Mission was never possible’.