1.      Genesis.   The Dutch retained the control of West New Guinea (West Irian) post independence of Indonesia in 1949. The Dutch control over the territory resulted in deterioration of relations and frequent skirmishes between the Indonesian and Dutch forces.  After mediation by UN, the Indonesian and Dutch governments signed an agreement on 15 August 1962, which provided for the administration of West New Guinea to be transferred to a UN Temporary Executive Authority (UNTEA) and for cessation of hostilities.  The agreement also stipulated that UN would provide UNTEA with a United Nations Security Force (UNSF) to assist in its tasks.

2.      Contribution.    UN Secretary General deputed the then Military Adviser to UN Headquarters, Brigadier Indarjit Rikhye to lead a military observer team, to oversee the cease fire.  India also provided two military observers for the mission. Besides supervising the cease fire, the UN observers helped resupply the Indonesian troops with food, medicines and assisted in regrouping at selected places. The observers’ mandate was fulfilled and all actions for cessation of hostilities were completed without any incident.