lt Gen Ashok Singh, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command inaugurated the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) War Memorial in an impressive and simple ceremony at Bhopal on Wednesday.
The IPKF was the Indian Armed Forces contingent which undertook peace keeping operations in the island country of Sri lanka between 1987 and 1990. It was formed under the mandate of the Indo-Sri lanka accord signed between the two friendly neighbouring countries in 1987. The aim of IPKF was to oversee the end of the civil war in Sri lanka. Apart from the Indian Army there was substantial commitment from the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy as well. The names of 1200 martyrs who laid their lives in the service to the nation are inscribed at the War Memorial.
lt Gen Amit Sharma, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Sudarshan Chakra Corps welcomed the veterans of IPKF which included lt Gen (Retired) as Kalkat who Commanded the force in Sri lanka, to the inaugural ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, lt Gen Ashok Singh, the Southern Army Commander paid glowing tributes to the valiant martyrs of the IPKF, who made the supreme sacrifice to serve India. He exhorted all soldiers of the Southern Command to emulate the glowing example set by the departed souls and stand firm in their resolve in service to the motherland and continue to perform their duties with utmost zeal and dedication.
