The United Nations Organization Mission deployed Indian Army troops in the war struck Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO.) The Indian Army has managed to rescue 22 children who were in danger of being forced into becoming child soldiers by armed groups in the country.
The Army officials on Monday reported after a long 48 hour mission in the eastern part of Congo, Nyabiondo the officials rescued 16 boys and 6 girls.
One of the officer’s said, “The battalion swung into action on September 16 after receiving the information about the children from the local villagers and foiled attempts by armed groups to turn them into child soldiers. The children were later handed over to the UN child protection agencies.”
Another Indian battalion deployed managed to prevent the displacement of an entire village that housed 200 families in Mirki. The officer said, “The exodus was being caused by fighting between rival groups, which had led to panic in the area. The prompt show of force by the Indian soldiers drove away from the fighting groups and brought the situation under control.’
Under MONUSCO, more than 2,600 Indian soldiers have been deployed. This is the most complex peacekeeping mission for the United Nations as it makes nearly 2,300 patrols every month in Congo to ensure the safety of civilians.
India is the second largest troop contributor to peacekeeping missions in the world. At present 6,891 Army soldiers and 782 police personnel deployed to 11 United Nations missions and two UN offices.
