UNITED NATIONS, August 11 -- As India bragged that its soldiers use blue UN helmets and shields “all over the country” and not only in Kashmir, Inner City Press asked UN spokesman Martin Nesirky about this misuse of UN equipment, and whether it will be returned. Video here, from Minute 19:25.
Nesirky pulled out a prepared response, saying that UNMOGIP immediately contacted those using the UN helmets in Kashmir, and now understands that directions have been issued so that they not be used there anymore.
Inner City Press asked, But what about elsewhere in India?
Nesirky read the same comment again. It is unclear if it applies to all of India, or just Kashmir.
From the UN's August 11 transcript:
Inner City Press: There are quotes both by the Indian military and then by an unnamed UN military observer group about the use, by Indian troops, of UN blue helmets and shields while they’re essentially performing Indian military functions and quelling protesters, leading some to ask whether the UN is, in fact, firing into, doing charges against crowds. So I wanted to know, the person who is quoted from the UN said he wasn’t authorized to speak to the media, so I’m asking you, can the UN confirm that there’s a concern by that mission of the use of UN equipment, visible equipment, by the Indian troops?
Spokesperson: I am authorized to speak. Following the use of UN-marked blue helmets by Indian Rapid Action Force personnel in Srinagar, the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) immediately brought the issue to the attention of the Indian Army authorities. We understand that directions have since been issued by the Indian authorities to prevent its recurrence. UN-marked items can only be used by personnel serving in United Nations operations during their service under the blue flag and can not be used for other purposes, including by national armies in the conduct of their operations.
Inner City Press: So that’s… because there’s also, I’m sure you’ve seen the quote by the Spokesman for the paramilitary force, Mr. Tripathi, saying these are used elsewhere in India, by Indian troops. Is this a comprehensive…?
Spokesperson: UN-marked items can only be used by personnel serving in United Nations operations; that’s what I just said, Matthew, during their service under the blue flag and cannot be used for other purposes, including by national armies in the conduct of their operations.
Inner City Press: Do they now return them to the UN?
Spokesperson: We understand that directions have since been issued by the Indian authorities to prevent its recurrence.
We'll see. Do other troop contributing countries take and later use and misuse the UN blue helmets? What about the removal of peacekeepers' weapons from the countries at war where they are stationed? We'll have more on this - watch this site.
