Madras Regt Contingent Proceeding to UN Mission in Congo

New Delhi, Jan 4 (UNI) Seeking to further the Indian ideal of strengthening the UN, international peace and security, a contingent of the 26 Madras Regiment is preparing to leave for the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of the ongoing ONUC Mission in the African nation.

The outbound infantry battalion will be part of the ONUC Mission established some five years ago by the United Nations after war broke out in Congo between the government and the secessionist forces. The UN operation is unique in many ways -- it has involved heavy casualties; and it is also the first time that the UN has undertaken an operation in an intra-State, rather than an inter-State conflict.

The performance of the Indian troops in the ONUC Mission has been distinguished by their discipline, self-restraint and humanitarian concern. The Indian contingent has lost 39 men in action in the UN operation which has been undertaken to uphold the national unity and territorial integrity of Congo.

Indian troops have taken part in some of the most difficult operations, and have suffered casualties in the service of the UN.

Professional excellence of the Indian troops has won universal admiration.

India has taken part in the UN peacekeeping operations in four continents. Its most significant contribution has been to peace and stability in Africa and Asia. It has demonstrated its unique capacity of sustaining large troops commitments over prolonged periods.

Presently, India is ranked as one of the largest troop contributors to the UN. India has also offered one brigade of troops to the UN Standby Arrangements. Over 55,000 Indian Military and Police personnel have served under the UN flag in 35 UN peace- keeping operations in all the continents of the globe.

Time and again, India has risked the lives of its soldiers in peacekeeping efforts of the United Nations, not for any strategic gain, but in the service of an ideal. India's ideal was, and remains, strengthening the world body, and international peace and security. Over 100 Indian soldiers and officers have sacrificed their lives while serving in various UN peacekeeping operations.

Lt Gen Susheel Gupta, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Information System&Training) -- while addressing the Congo-bound contingent of the 26 Madras Regiment Infantry Battalion Group here today -- reminded the troops of the challenging task ahead of them which requires utmost dedication, devotion and the humanitarian approach for ensuring peace in Congo.

Madras Regiment, whose battle cry is 'Veer Madrasi, Adi Kollu, Adi Kollu, Adi Kollu' and draws its troops from the south Indian states, is the oldest infantry regiment of the Indian Army.

The 26 Madras, raised on January 1, 1967, has been nominated based on its outstanding performance in the 1971 war and thereafter in Counter-Insurgency Operations in the North East and Jammu and Kashmir. The unit has won accolades from one and all for their operational and humanitarian efforts in insurgency-prone areas.

This gallant Battalion has the honour of being awarded the COAS Unit Citation besides a long tally of gallantry awards which include one Ashok Chakra, three Kirti Chakras, two Vir Chakras, four Shaurya Chakras and 18 Sena Medals.

UNI