Indian peacekeepers in Congo garner appreciation for their professionalism

Indian peacekeepers serving with UN mission in Democratic Republic of Congo have garnered appreciation for ir high standard of professionalism and humane approach, with deployment of first team of Indian female peacekeepers w promising to serve as an inspiration to women of Central African nation. 

India is second largest troop contributor to United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), with 2,624 peacekeepers and 274 police personnel deployed as of March 2019. 

" im of Indian peacekeepers in Congo is that of a highly competent, humane force that is very very professional. Indian peacekeepers have been supporting our Congolese friends to have sustainable peace," a high-level Indian military officer deployed with mission told PTI in a Skype interview. 

senior officer's identity has t been revealed as required by authorities in India's Defense Ministry.  officer ded that as one of founding members of UN, India's contribution to maintaining international peace and security has been second to ne and DRC is exception. 

India was one of first countries to send its peacekeeping troops in Congo in 1960 as violence started in country and till date 68 of its soldiers have me supreme sacrifice in line of duty in Congo.  

"Beginning in 1960s, our contribution till date has t only been very very substantial but also very vital for unification of Congo. All our humanitarian efforts and professionalism have drawn acclaim and respect locally as well as internationally," he said of role and contribution of Indian peacekeeping contingent. 

officer stressed that till time Indian contingent is re, its role and effort will be to ensure that minimum number and if possible ne at all, human rights violations take place. We will try and ensure that peace prevails in country, officer said. 

Indian contingent also welcomed earlier this month first set of 22 women peacekeepers from India, who began ir induction into mission June 5 as part of a contingent rotation. 

"Women in UN are present in all spectrum of activities, in military, police and civil. y have a very important role to play as far as societies that are plagued by se kinds of situations. Women in any field, especially in field missions are seen as role models by local women here, officer said ding that women peacekeepers inspire women of countries where y are deployed in contributing in peace and security of country. 

A young ly officer in Indian contingent also underscored critical role that women play in peacekeeping missions, through ir expertise and also by being seen as role models for women in local communities. 

"Women broen skills available on ground. Women of host country are empowered by presence of women who are in peacekeeping operations. Young girls and women see us as role models. y can push for ir rights in a male-dominated society and be a greater part of peace process," she said. 

As first Indian female engment team arrived in Congo, young ly officer described it as a big achievement and said a -balanced leership is what will sow seeds of a peaceful society in Congo.   

Emphasizing that peace is pivot, she expressed hope that DRC goes on path of ecomic development for a peaceful future for its children. 

high-level Indian military officer stressed that Indian contingent and or peacekeepers in Congo are focussed on fulfilling mandate of protection of civilians. "We have taken certain steps that include revival of local protection committees in far-flung areas where it is slightly time-consuming for us to react. local communities have to have a stake in ir own security, he said. 

With Indian brige required to govern a huge area of approximately 5 lakh sq km, officer said challenges in covering almost 26 percent of entire DRC includes ro connectivity, communication infrastructure as well as dealing with myri armed groups. 

Of total 121 armed groups active in DRC, 34 falls under Indian contingent's area of responsibility. "Inter-armed group clashes leing to human rights violations also pose significant challenges, which peacekeepers have to dress, he said. 

Furr, with Ebola epidemic in Democratic Republic of Congo w in its 11th month and number of new cases increasing in recent weeks, officer voiced concern over violence targeting Ebola response team and said providing a sense of security to teams is a big challenge. Indian contingent is working with help of Congolese armed forces (FARDC) to tackle se challenges. 

Indian officer stressed that peacekeepers need to have a very clear understanding of nature of conflict wherever y are deployed.  

Ar young Indian officer said Indian peacekeepers also eng local populace in various community-based activities.  

He echoed that humanitarian efforts and activities by Indian peacekeepers have t only been appreciated locally but internationally also. local people see Indian peacekeepers as possessing high competency and a very high level of standard, training and professionalism.