Thiruvananthapuram:  The State Government organised a formal farewell function on Sunday in honour of various Central Forces which played a pivotal role in the rescue and relief operations in flood-hit Kerala.

“We could directly witness the bold initiatives they took to rescue those who were stranded in the flood waters,” said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at the function held at Air Force Station, Shanghumukham, Thiruvananthapuram.

He also appreciated the military and paramilitary forces, who saved the helpless, braving adverse circumstances. “All that we can say is that your services will be kept in mind in the times to come too, with gratitude and appreciation,” the Chief Minister said.  The Chief Minister also said that the calamity would have been greater if the Forces haven’t worked hand in hand with the State Government.

 Citations were presented by the Chief Minister to Air Marshal B Suresh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Air Command , Rear Admiral R J Nadkarni, Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command, Brigadier C G Arun, Station Commander, Pangode Military Station, Rekha Nambiar, NDRF Commandant, Sanatan Jena, DIG Coast Guard,  Giriprasad, IG, CRPF, B C Nair, DIG BSF, Vishal Anand, Commandant  ITBF and  Dhanya Sanal, Defence PRO and to all military and paramilitary forces participated in the rescue mission.

Air Marshal B Suresh said that they could act efficiently because of the clear directions given by the Chief Minister. “He was leading from the front,” said Air Marshal B Suresh.

He also appreciated the volunteers, fishermen and all those who were part of the rescue and relief activities.  The indomitable spirit of Malayalis  also found mention in his speech. “Even in camps, their spirit is alive,” said B Suresh.

Ministers E Chandrasekharan,  Kadakampally Surendran, K T Jaleel, M M Mani, K K Shailaja, A K Balan and E P Jayarajan, Chief Secretary Tom Jose, DGP Lokanath Behera, District Collector Dr K Vasuki attended the function.