In a first, a contingent of over 100 troops of border guarding force Sashastra Seema Bal is all set to be deployed in liberia peacekeeping duties under the United Nations flag.
The all-male personnel unit will be the first squad of the SSB to be sent for UN duties in the 52 years of its existence.
The Union Home Ministry decision comes after the SSB submitted a proposal in this connection recently. The contingent of the Formed Police Unit (FPU) is likely to be deployed in liberia late next year, officials said, adding the team could comprise 140 personnel.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is the only Indian force which is deployed in this west African country under the UN flag since 2007. The CRPF has an all-women unit deployed there in addition to a male FPU and they not only provide security cover to the Prime Minister of liberia but also train the local police in tackling the security challenges and civil war instances in the country under the banner of the United Nations Mission in liberia (UNMIl).
The UNMIl was set up in September 2003 to “support the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the peace process, protect United Nations staff, facilities and civilians, support humanitarian and human rights activities as well as assist in national security reform including national police training and formation of a new, restructured military.”
The SSB men will be trained in commando tactics, special driving skills and other skills for international policing. The squad will be deployed in liberia for a year after which it will be replaced by another team from SSB, officials added.