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| 1971 Operation
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For some weeks in November, both Indian and Pakistan governments protested violations of national airspace along the western border, but above ground conflict between the respective air arms began in deep on 22 November, above full-scale warfare between India and Pakistan by 12 days. At 14:49 hours, four Pakistani Sabres strafed Indian and Mukti Bahini positions in the Chowgacha MOR area, and 10 minutes later, while occupied on a third strafing run, four Gnats from No. 22 Squadron, a detachment of which was operating from Dum Dum Airport, Calcutta, intercepted the Sabres.
The IAF had good reason for satisfaction with its showing during the December 1971 conflict. Although Pakistan had initiated the war with preventive air strikes against major forward air bases, the IAF rapidly gained the idea and had thereafter dominated the skies over both fronts. The December 1971 war also meant the gaining of India`s highest award for bravery to the IAF. Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, flying Gnats with No. 18 Squadron from Srinagar, was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
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