The Hindu : Karnataka News : Anti-aircraft guns, T-72 and BMP-1 tanks on display

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Wednesday, Oct 08, 2008
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Karnataka

Anti-aircraft guns, T-72 and BMP-1 tanks on display

Special Correspondent

Light Combat Aircraft Tejas will also take part in the procession

— PHOTO: M.A. SRIRAM

NEW CHAPTER: Tanks of the Indian Army that are showcased at the exhibition grounds in Mysore.

MYSORE: History is being created at Mysore Dasara with the entry of weapons of war, including T-72 and BMP-1 tanks, anti-aircraft guns, which are now on display at the Exhibition Grounds.

While there is speculation on the entry of the Bofors Howitzer guns that boomed in Kargil, the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas will also participate in the procession. While Vijayadasami was originally associated with the military parade of the victorious kings, it was disbanded soon after Independence and hence, the presence of the Russian-designed T-72 tanks is reckoned to be a history of sorts.

The objective is to create greater public awareness on the Indian Defence forces and goodwill towards the armed personnel in this part of the country which seldom gets an opportunity to see war machines.

The monstrous T-72 tanks with a firing range of 4 km and which weigh 41.4 tonnes each belongs to the 16 Light Calvary which was created by the British in 1776. This unit participated in the Fourth War of Mysore in 1799 that culminated in the death of Tipu Sultan. The other tank on display includes BMP-1 which is used to transport infantry personnel in battle fields, mostly in the plains of Rajasthan and Punjab.

On display are two ZU 23 mm anti-aircraft guns of Russian origin complete with gunners and commanders. Kiosks giving information about the life in army have also been set up. The services rendered by the Defence personnel in times of war and peace, the education and training that youngsters receive in the Army have been prominently displayed to attract more youngsters to join the Defence services.

Meanwhile, the number of tableaux to feature in the Jumboo Savari on October 9 has been finalised. There will be 45 tableaux in all representing all the districts of the State except Koppal which was badly hit by floods and hence, could not confirm participation.

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