UNMISS Force Commander awards UN medal to Indian Peacekeepers in Bor

UNMISS Force Commander awards UN medal to Indian Peacekeepers in Bor

UNMISS Force Commander awards UN medal to Indian Peacekeepers in Bor

13 Oct 2017

UNMISS Force Commander awards UN medal to Indian Peacekeepers in Bor

David Majur Awuou

Fifty Indian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan have been awarded the UN Medal for their professionalism and service in protecting civilians and building durable peace in the conflict-ridden country.

UNMISS Force Commander General Frank Mushyo Kamanzi awarded the UN Medal to the officers serving with the Indian Battalion, located in Bor in the Jonglei region of South Sudan.

He acknowledged their contribution in carrying out patrols across the region as well as providing a safe and secure environment for the 2500 civilians who have sought sanctuary at the United Nations Protection of Civilians site at Bor.

“I would like to thank the Indian Battalion for their courage and professionalism in executing their mandate in Jonglei,” said General Kamanzi.

The local government in Jonglei also paid tribute to the Indian troops.

Jonglei Acting Governor, Dr. Agot Alier, said the Indian battalion had played an important role in keeping the community safe as well as encouraging local peace efforts. They had also provided much-needed services to the community outside of their core mandate, such as medical care for local residents and support for local farmers with veterinary treatment for their animals, he said.

“The Indian Battalion has been intimately associated with peacekeeping efforts and the battalion has supported the mandate of the United Nations and the overall peace process,” said Dr Agot. “They have provided veterinary support and also community development activities in Jonglei and Boma.”

The Indian Ambassador to South Sudan, Srikumar Menon, attended the medal ceremony and thanked the peacekeepers for their commitment and service.

“India is committed to the objectives of the UN Charter and therefore is ready to support the United Nations peacekeeping efforts globally,” he said.