India to depute over 100 fresh troops under UN flag in Africa

NEW DELHI: India has committed to deploy a fresh contingent of over 100 paramilitary troops for rendering special police combat and security duties under the United Nations (UN) flag in the African nation of Liberia.

The all-male personnel unit has been carved out from paramilitary Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and this will be the first squad of the border guarding force to be sent for UN duties in the 52 years of its existence.

Officials said the decision was recently notified by the Union Home Ministry after SSB Director General B D Sharma prepared and submitted a proposal in this regard sometime back.

Officials said the contingent — called the Formed Police Unit (FPU)– is expected to take position in Liberia by late next year.

“The team could be about 140 personnel strong,” they said.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), since 2007, is the only Indian force which is deployed in this west African country under the UN umbrella to bring peace and stability in the region and provide security to the locals. (AGENCIES)