'Operation Khukri' example of Indian bravery: Maj Gen Punia

Tribune News Service

Hisar, August 16

Major General Rajpal Punia, who led the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sierra Leone as a Major, today stated that the 75-day-long ‘Operation Khukri’ carried out in the West African country in 2000 was a story of exemplary courage.

Major General Punia recently penned the entire story in ‘Operation Khukri’, which is co-authored by his daughter, Damini. The book was published by Penguin Random House India and is set to be republished in Hindi by Rajkamal Prakashan.

Addressing a press conference at his residence in Hisar today, he sought to counter the popular perception that ‘Operation Khukri’ was a rescue mission. He said the operation was in fact orchestrated by 58 Gorkha Rifles, as 222 soldiers of the regiment were engaged in the mission along with 11 other foreign observers. The Indian soldiers not only survived the adversity for 75 days, but also succeeded in breaking the ambush of terror outfit Revolutionary United Front (RUF) in Sierra Leone.

“We were part of the peacekeeping mission from 16 countries,” he said.

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan has also taken keen interest in making a film on ‘Operation Khukri’. A movie with the same name is set to be produced by Red Chillies Entertainment. It is expected to be released by the end of this year. Major General Punia confirmed that a member of Khan’s team had met him.