New Delhi: As part of the United Nations effort to restore peace in the Congo, the Indian and Pakistani armies are to don the rather unsual role of 'comrades'.
For the first time since the November 2003 ceasefire — which brought an end to active hostilities on the Line of Control — the two would fight together to make peace in Congo.
An Indian Army Parachute battalion, which has won two battle honours for worsting Pakistani forces in fierce combat, will leave for Congo this week.
These paratroopers will take position alongside the Pakistanis in the volatile East Congo.
As the battle-hardened soldiers from the two sides put their best foot forward under a common flag in a treacherous area, sub-continental rivalries are to be put on the backburner.
Colonel Parachute Regiment, Lt General Nirbhay Sharma says, "As professional soldiers, it is the task which is more important, so I do not visualise any problems and complications. Wherever the coordination is required, it will be done."
While camaraderie between bitter rivals maybe too much to expect, the bonding in Congo could redefine a relationship that has so far been characterised by the brutal contest along the LoC.
The peace initiative aims to keep peace in one of the world's most troubled regions.
And as the battle-hardened soldiers don the blue beret, chances are the traditional rivalries would be forgotten for once.
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