Bhangra, A War Dance

Andrew Mills March 26, 2007 00:00 IST Bhangra, A War Dance -0001-11-30T00:00:00+05:53

Turbanators? Only If There's A Need

• For 9 years now, India has been providing troops for UN forces in South Lebanon
  
• Currently, 850 soldiers from 15 Punjab Infantry are stationed there
  
• South Lebanon is Hezbollah's stronghold. There is a growing feeling that UN forces here could come under attack in the coming months.
  
• Most say that Indian forces unlikely to be targeted. Why? Because guerrilla groups can generate headlines worldwide by attacking western troops.
  
• Also, Indian soldiers seem to have won the hearts and minds of people in South Lebanon. Hezbollah says India's role has been positive.

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The men of the 15 Punjab Infantry Battalion are some of the most battle-hardened and decorated fighters the Indian army has to offer. But in the two months they have been deployed as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) here in Hezbollah's heartland, a few kilometers north of the Israeli frontier, they...