Click to play videoNew Delhi: A BBC investigation has thrown some shocking allegations about the Indian Army peace-keepers.
The investigation claims that Indian Army peacekeepers in Congo traded in gold with militia responsible for the Rwandan genocide, sold UN rations to rebels for more gold and even bartered ammunition for ivory.
The BBC investigation also suggests that the UN is involved in a cover-up, not wanting to offend one of the largest troop contributors. There was predictable denial.
"The ethos and culture of this army does not permit the type of activity that is reported by the media," said the War College’s Ex-Commandant, Lt Gen (Retd) V K Kapur.
The Army, on its part, is finally admitting that some of its men in Congo, including an officer, did buy gold dust, which turned out to be spurious. However, it is still peddling their innocence, claiming concocted complaints were made after the Indians forced the rebels to return their money.
The Indian Army is still in denial but gold-diggers in the Army's olive-greens have dealt a telling blow to India's image as the world's preferred peacekeepers"
Aware of the damage done, the establishment says there will be no hand-holding.
“If it is contrary to the mandate, or if it is detrimental to the image of the nation, we will definitely act on this," asserted Minister of State for Defence, M M Pallam Raju.
After being seen as doing business with murderous militias and seeking to profit from strife and conflict, the damage has already been done.
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