RESURRECTING THE IPKF LEGACY

Book excerpt: A comprehensive treatise on international military interventions. A hand-to-hand fight by a young officer against the LTTE and another unit’s bloody pitched battle while encircled by LTTE cadres, facing certain annihilation. An officer and a jawan have a premonition of their impending death. The unit's unflinching support mitigates a widow’s trauma of losing her husband in the face of a callous state government. A brigade commander, a staff officer, and a unit commanding officer share lessons during the command and management of troops in war under ambiguous circumstances. The aviator’s daredevil role of rescue and support in the face of enemy fire. A naval officer’s poignant race, while on a ship, to reach out in aid of his dying army colleague. A VIP heli- landing into an LTTE-infested area almost comes to grief, but for the courage of a few good men. A doctor’s unique bond with troops when the latter virtually denies his leave request. A risky raid, by an infantry column into a thickly forested enemy camp, amidst repeated ambushes. An IAF pilot deftly handles the IL76 to fly in the T-72 tank into an uncharted overseas destination. An attack helicopter pilot shares the unique experience of handling the MI 25, with its deadly firepower, in the jungles against LTTE while minimising collateral damage. Veterans quest to resurrect the IPKF legacy by covering 6,500 Km in 23 days motorcycle expedition to the North East. 28 compelling accounts. By the Authors of ‘ Valiant Deeds, Undying Memories.’ Careless of eye and coarse of the lip, They marched in the holiest fellowship. That heaven might heal the world, they gave Their earth-born dreams to deck the grave. -Marching Men, by Marjorie Pickthall