Retd Wg CDR P N Saksena is presently Director Pink City Aviation Services Pvt .Ltd .Jaipur and an ardent missionary for the cause of Indo Pak Friendship and Cooperation through his forum INDO PAK SOLDIERS PEACE INITIATIVE

DURING 1971, the war clouds were clearly visible by July-August. India was deeply involved in the liberation movement of Bangladesh (the erstwhile East Pakistan). We knew that the full fledged war with Pakistan (the western theatre) was inevitable. My squadron (Su-7 Fighter Bombers) had already moved from Ambala air base to a forward location in Punjab. Every one was excited & fully prepared to face any eventuality. The time dragged on, while we waited and practiced our missions, day & night. Everyone was getting impatient and hoped that the balloon would go up soon and the wait would be over. While I already had the battle ground experience during the 1965 conflict, it was to be the fist experiences of war for most the younger pilots.

Finally, Pakistan struck on the 3^rd December evening, by attacking a number of our forward air bases. There was hardly any damage, since we all were fully prepared for them. The PAF tried to give us Israeli style surprise, but failed totally in their mission. Nevertheless one of the B-58 (Pakistani Bomber) managed to damage a small part of the runway. So we had to wait till the damage was repaired during the night. On the 4^th morning, we retaliated with our full might and all hell broke loose behind the enemy lines. My squadron was a part of the massive strikes on Pak air bases. The IAF carried out numerous missions on the enemy air bases and other defense installations. Later on, we started going for the target of tactical importance.

During one of the ‘search & Strike" missions, I was leading a formation of two aircraft, deep into the enemy territory. The target was a large concentration of tanks and armored vehicles. We carried out three attacks successfully and saw results on the ground. During the fourth attack, my aircraft was hit by the enemy ground fire, possibly missiles, and caught fire. It was my No.2 who gave a panic call informing that my aircraft was smoking. Soon, the fire had spread under the belly and I could see the reflection on the wing surfaces. My instrument panels were lit with all the warning lights and indicators. Most of the aircraft system had failed or packing up one after another. It was not safe to remain in the cockpit any longer.

It was time for immediate action. I had to quickly decide whether to eject immediately into the enemy territory & get captured or head back towards India and face the possibility of getting blown up with the aircraft. The time was running out, so in a second I made up my mind and decided to eject quickly. The high speed (perhaps 1050 KMPH+) ejection was successful and I parachuted down safely on ground. I landed on top of a tree, which cushioned my fast descent and saved my legs form injuries. It took some time for me to reconcile that I have safely ejected and that I am behind the enemy lines.

The first thought that came to my mind was that I must escape form being captured by the Pak forces or by civilians. So it was necessary to leave the landing spot immediately and head towards India. I must have run for about 15-20 minutes to get away, till I was fully exhausted and could not even walk further. Fortunately I found cotton fields and some greenery, where I could hide and avoid getting captured. The ejection had damaged my spine (it turned out to be compression fracture), which I did not realize in the heat of the moment. I also suffered some minor injuries. But, at that moment the only thought hitting my mind was to escape and get back to India

It was getting dark and soon the sky was littered with shiny stars and the moon had started rising. I was trying to establish my location and assess the changes of escape back to India. Fortunately, I had a spare map, which had survived the ejection. But, it was just not possible to ascertain the location where I could be. So, I decided to head east in the general direction and hoped that somewhere some time I would be able to cross the border and reach India.

But then suddenly I heard human voices closing-in and realized that there was a search going on for me. From their talk, I could make out that they were Pak Rangers or soldiers who were searching for me. Having failed to find me they were frustrated and constantly abusing India and the pilots. Once they came very close to the spot where I was hiding. For once, I thought that my time was up. Anyway, I did not give up hope and continued to remain lying still without any movements. The suspense lasted for a few minutes and then my luck seemed to be shining once again. The search party bypassed me without realizing that I was hiding very close to them.

Once the danger had passed, I felt greatly relieved and started planning my escape. It took me more than two says to cover the distance till the international border and to Freedom. I was given a hearty welcome by the Indian troops who took great care of me and gave me food & water. Later I was shifted to my base where the entire Station was present to receive me with the greatest welcome I have ever received in my life.