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Royal Indian Navy revolt 1946

 Trace the salient sequence of events in the popular revolt that took place in February, 1946 in the Royal Indian Navy and bring out its significance in the freedom struggle. Do you agree with the view that sailors who took part in this revolt were some of the unsung heroes of their struggle?

The RIN Revolt started as a strike by ratings of the Royal Indian Navy on 18th February in protest against general conditions. The immediate issue of the revolt were living conditions and Mod.

 By 19th February, a Naval Central Strike committee was elected. Leading Signalman Lieutenant MS Khan and Petty Officer Telegraphist Madan Singh were unanimously elected President and Vice-President respectively.

The strike found support amongst the Indian population, though not their political leadership, who saw the dangers of mutiny on the eve of Independence. The actions of the mutineers was supported by demonstrations and had one-day general strike in Bombay.

The strike spread to other cities, and was joined by elements of the Royal Indian Air Force and local police forces. The revolt spread and found support throughout British India, from Karachi to Calcutta, and ultimately involved over 10,000 sailors in 66 ships and shore establishments.

RIN Revolt inspired Indian masses, who were already in their last phase of struggle for independence. As the mutiny spread, the members of the Royal Indian Force and the armed forces joined the rebellion.

The ratings in Calcutta, Madras, Karachi and Vizag also went on strike with the slogans 'Strike for Bombay', 'Release 11,000 INA prisoners' and 'Jai Hind.' To demonstrate solidarity the ships hoisted three flags of INC, Muslim league and CPI. The naval revolt, thus, was completely in tune with the freedom struggle.

Though naval mutiny began for the defence of the dignity and legitimate rights of the sailors.

Its rapid spread and involvement of the other wing of the armed forces and the masses, proved beyond doubt that 'Mutiny' was an important event in the freedom struggle. It succeeded even without the support of INC and Muslim league. The sailors were indeed the unsung heroes of the freedom struggle.

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