KATHMANDU, Sept 12: Nepal Army peacekeepers have received UN medal for “nimble and robust” protection of South Sudanese civilians.

The peacekeepers were awarded the medal Monday for their outstanding response to a situation in June, when a humanitarian convoy they were protecting came under attack from an armed group in the south of the country, resulting in the death of a fellow peacekeeper Lieutenant Commander Ashraf Siddhiqui from Bangladesh. Those receiving the UN medal served in South Sudan since October 2017.

The Head of UN Mission in South Sudan (UNISS) David Shearer praised the robust response of the Nepali peacekeepers in that situation, saying their efforts had deterred the attackers and saved other lives. “The medal you have been awarded today is a symbol of what you have been able to achieve on behalf of the UN for the people of South Sudan,” a statement availed by UN Resident Coordinator's Office in Nepal quoted Shearer as saying.

Brigadier General Nain Raj Dahal said, “While deployed, Nepalese peacekeepers have never shied away from taking action even at the risk of their own lives when it comes to mandate implementation.”

Currently, 5,027 troops are serving in 12 different missions. Just over 1,700 are working with the people of South Sudan to protect civilians and build durable peace.

 
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