UN mission denies shifting 21 Indian soldiers to Red Cross

FREETOWN, JUNE 24: The 21 Indian peacekeepers have not been shifted to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) building in Pendembu as reported during the day and continue to remain in the custody of the rebel Revolutionary United Front (RUF) at their office.

There was an effort to shift the soldiers, including two officers, one junior commissioned officer and 18 other ranks to a larger building but the move failed UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) spokesperson and the newly-appointed UN spokesperson, Herut, told The Indian Express on Saturday.

The 21 soldiers were visited by an Indian Army doctor on Friday and are in "good health and high spirits". They were on their way to take command of a position in Kailahun on May 2 when they were detained by the RUF forces near Kailahun. They have spent 50 days in custody.

A food convoy goes up to Kailahun (where the 233 UN peacekeepers and observers are detained) and from there food is carried by Indian peacekeepers to the 21 in custody at Pendembu, an official added.