Indian Peacekeeping Forces, an integral part of each and every UN peace missions worldwide, with a credible record behind it for its operations on foreign lands has been charged with corruption.
One of the largest serving contingent, India’s peace keepers made a name for themselves for their benevolent and true military men deeds, but the news that Indian force traded eatables for economic benefits like minerals as gold and oil from the rebel Hutu tribe in Congo, has sent shocking waves around the country. The UN is leaving no stone unturned to investigate into the serious and shocking matter.
Democratic Republic of Congo has long been battling against the Hutu Rwandan tribes that have been waging an illegitimate war against it. Ever since, the UN has sent the peacekeeping force to help save the country from a crisis, which has taken around lakhs of lives and left an equal number homeless. Also, the Hutus have been savage cutting off any transfer or shipment of Food AID or essential material wealth for the suffering civilians of Congo.
Now to add to the woes of the local inhabitants already reeling under the Hutu atrocities, the allegation that the UN Peace keepers have indulged in corruption that cut off any kind of aid to them. The charge is extremely serious tarnishing the image of the high profile Peace keeping troupe comprising of forces from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, U.S., UK, France and many others. It is a matter of grave concern for a country like India, which is itself known to brave militancy and conflict on its land and Indian army has made it proud on most occasions. However, the recent allegations diminish such an image and need to be grilled before action can be taken.
The Blue Helmets as the Peacekeeping Force is nicknamed was formed to assist in maintaining peace and security and maintain Rule of Law around the world, especially in conflict marred lands like Congo, Iraq, Sudan (Darfur), Kosovo, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone etc.
Peace keepers these days have also been charged for sexual abuse, rape, atrocities and now the recent scandal of distorting aid for the poor Congolese people for money and material wealth.
The UN has already dispatched its management audit team to look into the matter, which is a blow to the image of the UN. It also lowers the faith of deprived and suffering people in the UN Peacekeeping missions worldwide. When we talk of UN reforms, credible peacekeeping missions worldwide and their successful enforcement remains a gray area to be given a serious thought by each and every member of the international body.
Via: Ibn Live
