Jerusalem: The Indian contingent in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been awarded the Force Commander's Unit Citation for its commendable service during the war in southern Lebanon. Seventy-three officers and soldiers of the battalion have also been given the Force Commander's Commendation Card for their good work.

The Indian battalion, 4 Sikh Regiment, on Friday celebrated its Medal Day Parade to commemorate the successful completion of its second mandate in UNIFIL with Force Commander Alain Pellegrini commending its role during the war.

"I appreciate the bravery of the battalion in the face of live fire wherein they undertook various relief, recovery, replenishment and evacuation activities in the service of the Lebanese people, which has earned not only the battalion but even the UNIFIL a great amount of respect from the masses," a release quoted Force Commander Pellegrini as saying at the occasion.

The battalion under the command of Colonel Subhash Panwar, who received the UN medals from the Force Commander, is occupying a number of sensitive posts on the Lebanon-Israel border.

The ceremony was followed by the release of doves and balloons. "It was symbolic of the craving for peace in the war-ravaged region but our forces draw inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi and we are trying to spread his message among the masses here," spokesman of the Indian contingent, Major Saurabh Pandey told PTI.

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