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Army to help UN mission in Lebanon

Josy Joseph in New Delhi

A contingent of the Indian Army, numbering about 700, is leaving this week for participating in the UN Peace Keeping Mission in Lebanon. With the departure of another contingent of about 1600 soldiers for Sierra Leone next week, the total number of Indian soldiers involved in peace keeping in conflict zones will shoot up to one of the highest in recent history.

The 2 Madras infantry battalion group, nicknamed Goondas in military circles, is one of the Indian Army's oldest battalions and has participated in most battles fought by India in the last two centuries including the two world wars.

The group, comprising 615 soldiers and 33 officers, will relieve the 2/4 Grenadiers from the 5,000-strong UN Peace Keeping Mission which is overseeing the withdrawal of the Israeli forces from South Lebanon.

The force, drawn from six nations and comprising personnel from almost every army specialisation including medical, has also been given the task of restoration of the Lebanon government's authority over the entire region and to render humanitarian assistance.

The 2 Madras group that is leaving this week has officers and soldiers drawn from infantry, engineers, mechanised infantry, medical corps and other specialists.

Addressing the group, which is just back from an anti-insurgency stint in Assam, Vice Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Chandra Shekhar said they should try to improve upon the performance of the 2/4 Grenadiers.

"You may just be entering Lebanon at a momentous time in history. Remember, the world focus is on the region and you as ambassadors of the nation, have an arduous task to exercise and a tremendous reputation to uphold. With your history, traditions and professionalism, I am confident that you will keep the Indian Tricolour flying," he said.

The lieutenant general recalled that the 223-year-old group is one of the oldest battalions of the Indian Army with a "fascinating saga of bravery, courage and patriotism embedded in its history".

The group, commanded by Colonel C K S Mann, "should extend its centuries old saga to Lebanon", the vice chief said. He called on the soldiers not to show any compromise on professional capabilities, quality, discipline and duty. He said while carrying out their tasks, they should also be friendly with the local populace which comprises Muslims, Jews, Christians and others.

"Your duty should be carried out with a firm resolve, and a strict discipline should be maintained. But it is also important to maintain a friendly relationship with the local population," he said. He said Lebanon has been frequently witnessing raids by Hezbul Mujahiddins and also tension due to Israeli attempts to dominate south Lebanon.

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