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Service
and Loyality!
They
are the sentinels of peace symbolized by Dove with olive
branch. Surrounded by wreath meaning preparedness for
duty unto death, topped by national flag depicting
enthusiasm to keep it high and flying.
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INTRODUCTION
Although India's contribution to the furtherance and
implementation of the purposes and principles of the United
Nations is as old as the organization itself, the concept of
Special Police Unit (SPU) for UN Peace keeping Mission in Kosovo
is a new one for the organization as well as for India.
Special Police Unit, India has been formed from the elite Rapid
Action Force (RAF), which is an integral part of the Central
Reserve Police Force (CRPF), an Armed Force of the Indian Union.
It has been conceived as a specially trained and equipped
anti-riot police mainly to tackle communal riots and riot-like
situations.
A different organizational pattern has been envisaged in keeping
with its special role. Unlike the conventional forces of law and
order, the SPU in addition to its law-enforcing role has its
post-riot role of rescue and relief,
which is very significant in order to apply a healing touch to
the public mind, which might have been bruised during the riots.
CAPABILITIES
SPU personnel have been screened, selected and specially trained
in rescue and relief, first- aid, human rights, fire fighting,
disaster management and use of tear smoke.
SPU
Commander J.S Gill (in the center) being interviewed by
news media in Kosovo. |
A composite character has been given to it by adequate
representation from all sections of the society and religion to
give it a secular image thus projecting it as impartial
sentinels of peace.
In order to implement the use of minimum force and abide by the
rules of engagement of the mission, SPU has been equipped with
the state of art non-lethal but effective deterrents like, shock
batons, rubber truncheons, rubber bullets, plastic pellets, stun
grenades and various tear
OBILIC
- community policing in practice.
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smoke shells which effectively disperse unruly mobs but do not
kill or maim the public.
A specially designed anti-riot combat vehicle 'VAJRA' equipped
with multi-barrel launcher for firing tear smoke shells and
rubber bullets in all directions is also available in the armory
of the SPU.
To effectively handle the delicate and sensitive situations
it is imperative that the police enjoy a good reputation and a
people friendly image to nurse the wounded psyche of the masses.
Vehicle
search. |
This is achieved through familiarization exercises carried
out by the units in their areas of responsibility which
besides bringing the officers and men close to the public
also provides an in-depth knowledge of the terrain, language,
customs and traditions, temperament and the socio-economic and
political atmosphere prevailing at each place.
Indian
SPU Commannder strongly supports sport activities. |
SPU India's efforts to bring people from all walks of life
together on a common platform by organizing games and sports
events, medical camps and other activities has in a short period
of its deployment endeared itself to the people of Kosovo.
" … we adhere completely and absolutely to the
principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter and that
we shall try to the best of our ability, to work for the
realization of those principles and purposes." -
Jawaharlal Nehru, First Prime Minister of Indian Republic.
SPORT ACHIEVEMENTS OF INDIAN SPU IN KOSOVO
Secured the first three positions in the combat dress category
among 255 participants in 25KMs Dancon March in Mitrovica on
18th June 2000.
Secured the first and third position in the Pristina Mile Run on
9th July 2000. v Secured the first three positions among 197
participants in the 100 KMs Dancon Death March in Mitrovica on
15th July 2000.
Runner's Up among 32 teams in the Indian Open Cross-Country
Championship on 6th August 2000.
Won three titles in the Indian Open Tennis Championship from
11th-13th August 2000.
Lifted the Indian Open Volleyball Championship on 9th Oct 2000.
Secured first and second position in 25 KMs Dancon March on 5th
Nov 2000.
Runner's Up in the Indian Open Basketball Championship conducted
from 10th-13th Nov.
Secured first position in 100 Kms Dancon Death March on 26th Nov
2000.
Conducted Indian Open Cross-Country, Tennis and Volleyball and
Basketball Championships.
Indian
SPU Officers guarding Serbian church.
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