By IANS,
New Delhi : Disturbed by rising cases of “aberrant behaviour” among its personnel on UN peacekeeping missions abroad, the Indian Army has given specific instructions to its contingent headed for Congo to maintain “personal conduct and discipline” when it moves to the war-ravaged African country June 22.
“Orientation was held for troops slated to be posted in Congo and special instructions have been given to them to maintain personal discipline and conduct during their one-year tenure there,” a senior army official told IANS, requesting anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to the media.
One unit of 5 Bihar Regiment, comprising of 1,000 troops, was Friday given orientation by Director General (service duty) Lt. Gen. N.K. Singh here.
About 4,500 Indian troops are posted in Congo under the UN peacekeeping mission. There were charges of misconduct like gold smuggling and sexual abuse against Indian troops, prompting the Congolese government to write to the United Nations to stop sending replacement of Indian troops.
However, the issue was resolved when the Congolese government withdrew its complaint six months ago from the UN.
The Indian Army is sending its personnel to the African nation on June 22 after a gap of over 15 months.
Following the 5 Bihar Regiment, two more army units will be sent to Congo to replace an equal number of units in that country.