Indian Army leave for Israel on UN mission

New Delhi, Apr 25 (UNI) A team of 183 Indian Army personnel has left here for a UN peacekeeping mission to Golan Heights in Israel.

The team, led by Lt Col Gurpal Singh Sidhu, would supervise the ceasefire between Israel and Syria and creation of buffer zone between the two countries.

The mission would serve under the banner of United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF).

India had so far participated in 43 of the total 78 peace keeping missions undertaken by the UN and contributed approximately one lakh troops over the years, Army spokesman Lt Col A K Mathur said.

The Indian soldiers have provided the healing touch on behalf of the UN to suffering populace in conflict zones with many officers -- Junior Commissioned Officers and other ranks -- making the supreme sacrifice and the Roll of Honour now reads at 122, he added.

The Poona Horse, which forms the core group of the UN peacekeeping mission, is the only 'Bravest of Brave' armoured regiment of the Indian cavalry.

The Poona Horse enjoys had won four Victoria Cross pre-partition and two Param Vir Chakra in 1965 and 1971 operations.

The regiment has won 37 battle honours, the highest number in commonwealth group of nations.

UNI AG RL BD1705