By NNN-PTI,
New York : A 140-member Formed Police Unit (FPU) from India has joined the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) to help with international efforts to ensure a safe environment in the Caribbean country.
The Indian peacekeepers will be based in Port-au-Prince, the nation’s capital.
The first elements of the Indian contingent arrived in Haiti in early October to prepare for the arrival of the bulk of the officers. On Oct 13, a group of 64 Indian peacekeepers joined MINUSTAH. A second group of 63 strong personnels arrived on October17.
The deputy commander of the Indian contingent said “Our government has responded positively to a request from UN to send peacekeepers to Haiti.
It is an honour for us to help that country under the flag of the United Nations.” These peacekeepers are all police officers specialising in monitoring and managing crowds, a critical task in Haiti.
Through its specialised training and equipment, the unit will be involved in managing public disturbances, establishing checkpoints, tracking criminals and anti-crime operations.
FPUs also carry out patrols, special anti-kidnapping operations and provide protection to visiting dignitaries in the country.
The arrival of the Indian peacekeepers coincides with the renewal of MINUSTAH’s mandate.
Last week, the Security Council extended MINUSTAH through mid-October 2009, recognising the impact that the civil disturbances in April and the devastating hurricane season have had on the country’s stability.
The total number of personnel serving in MINUSTAH’s FPU has reached 1,137, hailing from seven countries. The contribution of India, the third largest overall contributor of troops and police to UN peacekeeping operations, will help MINUSTAH consolidate the gains it has made in helping to make the country more secure for the Haitian people.