Indian Peacekeepers become smugglers and abusers

New Delhi, August 12: After a series of charges ranging from gold smuggling to illegal detention of local citizens to making statements in support of rebel groups, Indian peacekeepers in Congo have been accused of child abuse by an internal UN investigation.

While Indian Blue Helmets have been charged for a series of aberrations in Congo over the past year, this is by far the most serious allegation against Indian peacekeepers anywhere in the world.

In July, a Colonel posted at the mission was brought under investigation for making statements in support of a rebel group. The UN had initiated an internal inquiry against Colonel Chand Saroha for expressing sympathy for the National Congress for the Defence of the People (CNDP) at a public function in April.

As reported by The Indian Express, a UN investigation had also found that Indian peacekeepers in Congo illegally detained, physically assaulted and “sexually propositioned” a local gold trader who had allegedly sold them counterfeit gold dust.

The three Army personnel identified as “JCO Deepak Singh Nayal , Sergeant Suresh Pandurang Bodhak and Lt Col Talum Duby” were also found guilty by an Army court of inquiry earlier this year.

The Indian contingent has been charged with a series of allegations, like gun running and having connections with local militia, that have all been dismissed as a “malicious media campaign” by the Army.
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Indiscipline: The formation commanders and Commanding Officers are squarely responsible for such debased activity of the Indian Army. The Jawans are the finest warriors in the world. The Career Opportunists (COs) are not commanding troops but are concerned about their next promotion based on pleasing the bosses sitting in AHQ. This requires thorough investigation to mitigate the name and honour of our Jawans. The Commanding Officers so responsible need to be punished in an exemplary manner.