Five soldiers on peacekeeping task killed in ambush

New Delhi, April 9: The Indian contingent involved in humanitarian

with the UNMISS in South

suffered casualties today. Five Indian UN peacekeepers, including a Colonel, were killed and four injured by rebels in South Sudan.

"Peacekeepers from India in UNMISS (United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan) were attacked in Jonglei. Five dead and four wounded," external affairs ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin said.

India's embassy in touch with UNMISS to arrange for return of remains of five Indian peacekeepers killed by rebels in South Sudan.

The Indian mission in South Sudan since 2011, have been involved in community services like establishment of veterinary unit to treat livestock of the poor country.

The dedicated team of the Indian veterinary unit in Bunj of Maban County is well known. The weak and malnourished animals were administered with multivitamins, minerals, liver tonics and appetizers for improving their health. Livestock owners were advised on best animal management practices and prevention and control of various diseases prevalent in the region.

Ramlei Abiel, the Maban County Acting County Commissioner said Indian Battalion came in to assist when the local administration and the natives are facing huge refugee influx at the border town of Bunj from Blue Nile state.

He said that this Veterinary Aid Camp has also provided an opportunity in synergizing the efforts of the Ministry of Animal Resources and INDBATT.

Meanwhile, according to the assessment of Hilde Johnson, the head of UNMISS, the tension between Sudan and South Sudan seems to be easing but South Sudan continues to face serious security challenges. She later briefed journalists in Juba, the country's capital, on Monday.

The Special Representative noted that South Sudan faces considerable security challenges. In Jonglei State, the two biggest threats to stability and security of civilians are intercommunal violence and insurgency by armed groups. She called for restraint and said that it is critical that all levels of government take measures to stop the ongoing attacks.

Hilde Johnson said that UNMISS has and will continue to maintain a significant military and civilian presence across Jonglei, acting with impartiality to assist the Government in protecting all communities.

OneIndia News