An officers’ enclave, named after National Security Guard commando Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, who was killed while fighting terrorists at The Taj Mahal Palace during the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attack, was inaugurated here on Friday.
Located on Dickenson Road, the new Army Officers’ Colony was inaugurated by Major General K.S. Venugopal, General Officer Commanding, Karnataka and Kerala Sub Area. The Ashok Chakra recipient’s parents, Dhanalakshmi Unnikrishnan and K. Unnikrishnan, were present at the inaugural.
Speaking to The Hindu , Mr. Unnikrishnan said he was happy that his son is being honoured and remembered for his bravery. He said it was a “surprise” as he was not told before that the quarters was going to be named after his son. “The Army is doing a lot around the country…. it is honouring him in many ways, and people across the country are also doing this. I am happy about that.”
These quarters are the first set of houses being inaugurated under the Married Accommodation Project Phase II, an Army communiqué stated. This project was launched by the Central government in 2010 to tide over the problems faced by the Army personnel returning from field/border areas, who face a long waiting period due to shortage of accommodation at peace stations.