Mangaluru: The T-55 battle tank of the Indian Army which served the 1971 operations against Pakistan, which is placed next to the war memorial in Kadri Hills will be unveiled at 9.15 am on Sunday, during the Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations.Addressing the media on Thursday, IAF veteran Shrikanth Shetty, president, Dakshina Kannada Ex-Servicemen’s Association, said that the association along with Rotary International and Lions International will organise a solemn tribute with floral offerings to honour soldiers who laid down their lives.Former MLC Capt Ganesh Karnik highlighting the features of the T-55 tank and said that it was inducted in the mid-1960s, and served as the backbone of the Indian Army’s Armoured Corps for over four decades, before being phased out in May 2011. He highlighted its role in key battles of the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war, including Garibpur, Nainakot and Basantar, where Indian armoured units played a decisive role.The 36 tonne tank is equipped with a 100mm rifled gun, supported by 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun and 12.7mm anti-aircraft gun, and is powered by a V-55 V-12 water-cooled diesel engine (520–580 hp), it can reach speeds of up to 50 km/h and has an operational range of about 510 km (upto 600 km with auxillary external fuel tanks). It is operated by a crew of four.Karnik said instead of being scrapped, several T-55 tanks have been displayed across the country to inspire youth and preserve military heritage. He thanked Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta for facilitating the installation.Recalling the harsh conditions inside the tank, Karnik said understanding such hardships will deepen respect for soldiers, and memorials like these help instil patriotism among citizens. Responding to a question on Army recruitment in the district, Karnik noted that quotas in the district often remain unfilled, with vacancies going to other regions.He urged youth to consider joining the armed forces, highlighting opportunities under the Agnipath Scheme.Col N Sharath Bhandary, former president of the association, spoke about the highlights of Kargil War, noting that young officers and junior commissioned officers led from the front and described the conflict as largely artillery-driven.Captain Deepak Adyanthaya, Col AK Jayachandran and veteran Sudheer Pai were present.
