An Indian Army unit deployed in peacekeeping missions in Congo has helped in rescuing 12 local students from a rebel group there.
"Efforts of peacekeepers of INDBATT 2 (Indian Battery) of North Kivu brigade resulted in rescue of 12 innocent students from M23 rebels at Kiwanja in Rutshuru territory of North Kivu province of Democratic Republic of Congo," An Army statement on Facebook said. The students were apprehended by the M23 rebels on June 5 on the suspicion of having links with banditry activities in the area, it said.
After the students of the Butrande Secondary School, Kiwanja were apprehended, a delegation of local community leaders and Children Parliament-- an NGO, approached Indian Army Company Operating Base (COB), Kiwanja, for the safe release of these innocent people, the statement said.
After receiving the information, "the Indian Army's contingent swung into action and a team was formed to ensure their safe release. The Company Commander incorporated the locality chiefs and other influential people of the area and through them passed a strong message to the armed group for the release of innocent civilians especially the students. "
"This resulted in immediate release of two students within five hours and after sustained efforts, negotiations and robust posture of MONUSCO (UN Peacekeeping mission in Congo) remaining ten students were also released on the second day," the Army said.
The Children's Parliament and locals of Kiwanja appreciated the assistance by MONUSCO peacekeepers for rescue of local civilians, the Army said.
