NEW DELHI, 15 July 2006 — India will be playing a role in this month’s historic elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). About 850 more troops will be sent to increase vigilance during the vote.
“The troops would provide security for people to vote in a free and fair manner (in internationally monitored polls) in the trouble-torn eastern Katanga province,” Deputy Chief of the Army Staff Lt. General Susheel Gupta said yesterday.
The unit, regarded as one of the elite battalions of the Indian Army, will depart for peacekeeping operations as part of United Nations Mission in Congo (MOUNC) between in July and August. The additional troops would add to Indian soldiers already stationed there, including an Air Force complement of helicopter gun-ships and ferry helicopters to quell militants opposed to the elections. Katangese rebels have threatened to disrupt the polls. _
Flagging off the second battalion of Rajputana Rifles to Congo, “You have an onerous responsibility on your shoulders,” the general said yesterday.
“I am sure you will come out with flying colors. Given your experience of internal security duties in Assam and Kashmir, I have no doubt you will bring this to bear in your new assignment.”
Expressing confidence that his troops would rise to the occasion, battalion commanding officer Col. Rajeev Malhotra said the troops have been training for the assignment for the last two months.
“Special emphasis has been placed on the diplomatic aspect of our mission given that apart from maintaining peace during the elections, we have also to function as ambassadors of our country,” said Malhotra.
While official details on for how long will the additional force stay in Congo have not been released, they are expected to be there till the election process is complete and a new government is installed.
During ambushes with armed militias, a number of UN peacekeepers, including Indians and Nepalese, have been killed.
