'Ignored', IPKF veterans push for recognition

New Delhi, January 16

Veterans of “Operation Pawan” — Indian Army’s foray to fight LTTE in Sri Lanka during late 1980s — want their efforts to be recognised at official forums and functions like Army Day.

As many as 1,200 soldiers were killed in action and over 3,000 wounded greviously in the operation.

Lt Col Manoj K Channan (retd), who was deployed in Sri Lanka with the 65 Armoured Regiment, tweeted and tagged the top-most political leadership seeking recognition.

“As a veteran, I can only feel sad that our service to our Flag and country has been ignored,” Lt Col Channan told The Tribune.

The Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) was formed to launch the operation. The aim was to bring about regional stability and peace to prevent military intervention by forces inimical to India’s interests in the Emerald Island, he added.

Col RS Sidhu (retd), who was also deployed in Sri Lanka, said: “This is a glaring omission by the government and military establishment”. —