The young women were given the responsibility after they scored a distinction in handling the tasks and operations assigned to them.
NEW DELHI: The women contingent of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) sent to Liberia for peacekeeping operations have been entrusted with the prestigious task of providing security to the country’s President.
The young women were given the responsibility after they scored a distinction in handling the tasks and operations assigned to them.
This also earned them the confidence of Liberia’s woman President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf who became Liberia’s first elected head of state last year after the end of civil war in 2003. The 67-year-old grandmother faces great challenges, among them restoring peace and order and integrating about a lakh ex-combatants, including many former child soldiers, into civilian life.
About six months ago, the United Nations sought the services of Indian women police force to perform peacekeeping tasks in the strife-torn country. India has accepted the decision which has been hailed by the UN as ‘unprecedented’. About 125 women officers and soldiers, led by Commandant Seema Dhundiya underwent a thorough and comprehensive training program.
The women peacekeepers landed in Leberia at the end of January. Within weeks, they were in the midst of serious work. After setting up camp at Congo town in Monrovia, the contingent immediately reported for action. Its first assignment was a preventive deployment for a demonstration at a unity conference centre.
Their handling of the situation won them the confidence of authorities and they were given the task of providing armed support to Liberian police. They were also given the task of providing security cover to President Sirleaf. At present, the Indian women peacekeepers’ main task is to provide security cover at important functions. They have also been involved in action.
On February 16, the unit participated in a cordon and search operation at a rubber plantation. In the day long operation, 30 suspects were arrested and weapons and some currency recovered.
On the humanitarian front too, the contingent’s medical team is taking a lead in providing medical assistance to those needing help. Their prompt assistance to seven seriously injured accident victims near Congo was widely appreciated.
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