Remains of unnamed Indian soldiers interred

THE remains of five unnamed Indian soldiers that were discovered by M/s Navani Limited in Rabaul, were interred in a military ceremony at the Bitapaka War Cemetery last Thursday.
A statement from Indian High Commission in Port Moresby said the remains were in addition to the 614 Indian soldiers buried at the war cemetery established in 1945. The cemetery has 1,147 graves including 455 Australians, 36 British, 36 Fijians and six from other nations. 
Indian High Commissioner Dr Ajay M Gondane paid tribute to the fallen heroes of the Indian contingent in the World War II, saying India stood by the Allies in an effort to uphold freedom and liberty throughout the world, especially in the war theatre in Southeast Asia. 
He also mentioned India’s participation to uphold freedom by participating in peacekeeping missions all over the world today.
The remains were confirmed to be of Indian sol­-
diers by the Australian
Army History Unit which
included forensic, archaeological, odontologic and anthropology experts. 
After the confirmation,
the remains were taken from M/s Navani Ltd by the Indian High Commission and interred in coordination with the PNG Defence Force and the Australian War Graves Commission in a military ceremony in the presence of PNGDF Brig-Gen Francis Agwi.
Between 10,000 and 12,000 Indian soldiers in the Southeast Asia war theatre, were brought as prisoners of war to Rabaul.
About 5,000 soldiers survived but the rest died of continuous bombings.
The remains of 614 Indian soldiers, were buried at the war cemetery.