It was a day for rejoicing and to relish for Indian and Sri Lankan peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. Not only was their UN Force Commander in Bor to salute them, but he also pinned medals to the proud chests of 135 Indian and 103 Sri Lankan Blue Berets, the latter from the tear-shaped island-nation’s aviation unit.
“My heartfelt congratulations to all these officers for their contributions towards the fulfillment of the UNMISS mandate in this challenging environment,” said Lieutenant General Shailesh Tinaikar, the peacekeeping mission’s Force Commander.
The Indian troops are stationed in Bor, Pibor and at a temporary operating base in Akobo and have engaged in a variety of activities, including civil-military cooperation such as a veterinary camp. They have, like anybody working in Jonglei State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, dealt with the often-violent reality in a volatile part of South Sudan, often plagued by intercommunal violence. Flooding and the resulting displacement of thousands of people have further complicated matters.
