Indian troops to depart for Sudan and Congo
Lt Gen Mohinder Puri, Deputy Chief of the Army Staff addressed a ‘Sainik Sammelan’ of Indian Contingents, moving shortly to Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo under the aegis of United Nations.
This is the first time the Indian Contingents are being inducted in Sudan as part of United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS). The aim of United Nation contingents will be to demilitarize, demobilize, disarm and then reintegrate the warring factions into ‘joint integral units and also ensure the implementation of Comprehensive Peace Agreement drafted by the United Nations.
Lt Gen Mohinder Puri during his address to troops highlighted the participation and achievements of Indian contingents deployed in various parts of the world and lauded the contributions made by Indian peace keepers. The General Officer exhorted the troops to accomplish the assigned tasks diligently and meet the aspirations of local populace without meddling in local affairs. The General Officers stated that ‘The Bravest of the Brave’ Battalions of the Indian Army are being entrusted with these onerous overseas assignments and expressed faith in them in executing any tasks assigned to them in keeping with the high standards of the Indian Army.
It is pertinent to mention that India is presently the third largest contributor of military forces for UN Peace Keeping Operations. For the UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS), India is sending 8 JAK LI (SIACHEN) Battalion Group and 1/5 Gorkha Rifles with the later being the Force Reserve Battalion. For the UN Mission in Congo (MONUC), three infantry battalions namely 15 KUMAON, 2/11 GORKHA RIFFLES and 5 PARA along with HQ 301 Infantry Brigade are being dispatched to replace the exi! sting contingent.
SKS/VKJ./GSJ/RKJ
(Release ID :15168)