1971 war hero retd commander Ashok Kumar no more | Lucknow News
Lucknow: Retd commander Ashok Kumar, Vir Chakra (Gallantry), a decorated war hero and alumnus of the University of Lucknow, passed away in Mumbai on Saturday at the age of 77. Born in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, he etched his name in naval history during the 1971 Indo-Pak War.As the officer manning the 40/60 Bofors guns aboard INS Panvel, Cdr Kumar played a pivotal role in the daring “Force Alfa” mission — the Indian Navy’s only riverine gunboat raid deep inside enemy territory. On December 10, 1971, INS Panvel led a flotilla more than 100 km upriver into Khulna, in erstwhile East Pakistan, in support of the Indian Army’s advance. It remains the deepest penetration by any Indian naval unit in combat. This audacious operation was the third thunderous act of Operation X, orchestrated by the legendary troika — Admiral SM Nanda, Capt MK Roy, and Cdr MNR Samant. Cdr Kumar’s gallantry under fire earned him the Vir Chakra, one of India’s highest wartime honours.
