By Lalit K. Jha, IANS,
United Nations : Indian peacekeepers in Congo, who are caught in heavy fighting between the rebel commanders and the government forces in the North Kivu province are safe so far, a UN official said Wednesday.
“They (Indian peacekeepers) are safe,” Michele Montas, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general told reporters at the UN headquarters in New York.
No injuries to any Indian peacekeepers have been reported so far, Montas said in response to a question.
Last week, at least one Indian official and two other personnel were injured, following which India had expressed its concern over the situation in Congo.
The latest clash between the rebels and the government forces is taking place in Rutshuru town where a unit of the Indian troops is deployed.
The Indian Army, with 4,500 personnel, is the largest contributor to the 17,000-strong UN peacekeeping mission in the Congo.