Indian peacekeepers save local community in Congo

Indian peacekeepers saved lives of local Hutus in Democratic Republic of Congo on November 8, by transferring the civilians to a safer location out of armed group dominated area.

The Indian base deployed 60 km away, was intimated of threat to a local community members trying to cross an armed group infested area, following which they immediately launched a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) to extricate and transfer the civilians.

In another incident, Indian troops assisted in thwarting a major attack on FARDC (National Army of Congo) post at Lubero by Mai Mai rebels on November 12.

A total of 153 Indians have laid down their lives under the United Nations flag till date including Capt. GS Salaria (posthumous) who was awarded Param Veer Chakra in Congo in 1961.

More than 2600 Indian peacekeepers are deployed in Democratic Republic of Congo under the UN Peacekeeping Mission called MONUSCO.

The Indian contingents are being widely appreciated for their commitment and prompt response. They have generated goodwill amongst the locals as well as the security forces of Congo.