Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 28:
Twelve personnel of 15 Assam Regiment deployed at Lebanon have been awarded UNIFIL Force Commanders appreciation Card for acts of bravery and dedication to duty.
The peace in the region was broken on Jan 9 morning this year by a hostile episode in Shebaa Farms, located close to Blue Line, the border of Lebanon and Israel.
Artillery and mortar shelling and air raids followed the incident.
An observer group patrol that had gone to Bastra farm area for observation from Lebanese side of Blue Line got trapped in firing, resulting in killing of a French officer, Major Jean-Louis Valet and wounding of his Swedish colleague.
The observer group patrol was missing thereafter.
15 Assam Regiment, which is deployed in Lebanon as part of United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) since December last year, was tasked to extricate the patrol to safety.
Maj KK Bhatacharya along with his Quick Reaction Team moved to Bastra farm, when the shelling was still in progress.
Unmindful of the dangers involved and with firm desire to fulfill the mission in hand, the officer reached the Bastra farm traveling 10-12 Kms and extricated the patrol members to safety.




