Although the NA had initially shown eagerness and readiness to send its men to both the missions, it has now cited UN´s recently launched downsizing task as a main cause behind the decision to halt the process. "The UN´s request for UNIFIL and UNDOF will not materialize now as the UN itself is looking at downsizing its military strength in these two missions," Ramindra Chhetri, the chief of Directorate of Public Relations of NA told myrepublica.com.
Chhetri, however, informed that for the first time the NA will dispatch a battalion-size troop and a company to Chad and another two companies to Darfur by September-October this year. It is preparing to send 800 plus battalion size and another 50 plus company size troop of Military Police to United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT). Another two companies with 175 army personnel each will be dispatched to UN peacekeeping operation in Sudan´s Darfur, known as UNAMID. Already, some 8-10 NA officials are stationed as observers in both of these missions. Major General Pawan Jung Thapa is stationed in Darfur as the Force Commander of the United Nation Mission in Sudan (UNMIS).
"The two contingents will be a special operation force. This is considered an elite force in the UN peacekeeping mission, and Nepal´s contribution will enhance the country´s image," Chhetri added. He, however, added that the NA men will be faced with "most challenging situation," especially in Darfur as operating in such a war-torn zone will be "risky" and the environment most "inhospitable."
Nepali soldiers are active not only in border security, but are now increasingly contributing to medical assistance, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programs, protection and promotion of human rights and in other humanitarian assistance, thereby guarding global peace and security and promoting the UN´s objective around the world.
Nepal is the fifth largest contributor to UN peacekeeping operations. Currently, some 3,100 Nepal Army fighters are engaged in 12 missions around the world.
akanshya@myrepublica.com
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