New Army complex to be dedicated to Manekshaw
30 Jun 2008, 1909 Hrs

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New Delhi, June 30 (ANI): The Central Government has decided to name an under-construction complex for warfare studies in the Delhi Cantonment area after Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.

Army chief General Deepak Kapoor on Monday said that the Param Vir Complex being constructed at the entrance to Delhi Cantonment would be renamed after Manekshaw in memory of the iconic military leader.

The complex would have a centre for Land and Air Warfare Studies and a centre for peace- keeping operations and would also serve as a hub for seminars, discussions and other important events.

Sam Manekshaw is remembered for bravery, courage and leadership capabilities through which India defeated Pakistan in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, General Kapoor said.

Responding to a question over the delay in paying tribute to the departed military leader and absence of top military brass at his State funeral in Tamil Nadu, General Kapoor said that it would be right, not just for the Army, but the whole nation to commemorate the Field Marshal's memory.

General Kapoor also said that it would be good for the nation to remember its martyrs, and if a national war memorial was constructed, it would provide an opportunity to countrymen to salute soldiers, who had given their lives in the battlefield.

Meanwhile hundreds of people thronged India Gate on Monday to sign the condolence book put out in Manekshaw's memory. Defence Minister A K Antony was the first to sign the condolence book followed by the three service chiefs.

Other distinguished people who lined up to sign the book included former service Chiefs, Principal Staff officers at the Army, Navy and Air Headquarters, Defence attaches, politicians, Members of Parliament and others.

A large number of mourners along with their families also gathered in front of India Gate. Among them were war veterans of the Burma campaign and the three wars, which the country has faced since 1947.

The condolence book will remain open from Monday to Thursday between 9:30 a.m to 4:00 pm, an army spokesman said. (ANI)