Page 1 - Lesson 16.xps

Module -VI
Armed Forces in Peace Keeping
Armed Forces and its Role
in Internal Security

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Note
ARMED FORCES

IN PEACE KEEPING

In the previous module we have learnt about the non-conventional warfare and weapons
of mass destruction. The Indian Armed forces, apart from its regular duties of protecting
the nation from external threat, are also involved in various other duties. Some of them
are peace keeping, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and aid to the local
government in handling internal affairs.
Peace keeping refers to activities intended to create conditions that favour lasting
peace in a war torn country. Peace keeping missions prevent the risk of renewed
conflict. United Nation (UN) is the largest international organization that is committed
to establishment of world peace. The peacekeepers monitor and observe peace
processes in post-conflict areas. They may also assist ex-combatants in implementing
peace agreement commitments that they have undertaken. Such assistance may come
in many forms, including confidence-building measures, power-sharing arrangements,
electoral support, strengthening the rule of law, and economic and social development.
India is one of the largest troops contributor to the United Nations for peacekeeping
missions.

Objectives

After studying this lesson, you will be able to:

• define peace keeping and types of peace keeping operations;

• appreciate the contents of the charter of UN peace keeping;

• explain the principles of peace keeping and

• describe the contribution of India Armed Forces in UN peace keeping.

16.1 Definition of Peace keeping Operations

" Peacekeeping" refers to activities intended to create conditions that favour lasting
peace. Research has found that peacekeeping reduces civilian and battlefield deaths

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MILITARY STUDIES 67