Indian soldiers protect refugees in South Sudan while on UN peace-keeping duty as violence escalates in Juba

South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, is back in the news again for the wrong reasons.

After landing at the international airport in Juba on Thursday morning, External Affairs Minister General VK Singh (Retd) posted pictures of himself meeting stranded Indians and kick-starting the effort to evacuate them - Operation Sankat Mochan.

The Indian government’s move to ferry two IAF C-17 Globemaster aircraft to help those stranded in Juba has attracted attention - but the action of the other uniformed Indians already at work there hasn’t gained as many headlines.

Indian Army jawans have been deployed across the country under the aegis of the UN Mission in South Sudan

The Indian Army has been deployed across the country under the aegis of the United Nations Mission (UNMISS) in South Sudan.

Troops are working in locations include Juba and provincial locations of Jonglei, Malakal and Pibor, among others. 

The UNMISS estimated that over 270 people have died in the current round of violence, which began last week.

Indians arrive from Juba at Entebbe International Airport in Uganda

Reports of sporadic firing continue to emanate. UN compounds in Juba have been hit, prompting Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to condemn the 'indiscriminate attacks'.

According to a source, the fighting affected a camp for Internally Displaced People (IDP) in Juba. This drove refugees to breach the United Nations House, a compound holding the residences and offices of UN officials.

“The situation was quite bad. We heard firing from helicopters, tanks among others. Our men were kept in reserve at the UN House and were asked to take the charge,” said a source. 

Displaced South Sudanese families seen at a camp in Tomping, Juba

The peace keeping reserve troops from 7 Kumaon regiment of the Indian Army, operating as 'INDBATT-2', were the ones who accomplished the task over the next few days.

They curbed the inflow of displaced people, then escorted them back, as well as ensuring the evacuation of UN staff.  

It was learnt that troops also secured the perimeter which was smashed by the displaced people, and ensured the armed militiamen were weeded out.

“Several weapons including machetes and guns were recovered from the army of people who had broken into the UN House,” said a source. 

Outside the camp, violence has subsided. 

“A few days back in Juba, we had drastic scenes where we found military vehicles were burnt, civilians killed indiscriminately, residential spaces charred. Things seem to have cooled down, but there is uncertainty,” explained a source. 

The Ambassador refused to comment on the matter.

It was learnt that the UNMISS Force Commander had personally congratulated the Indian contingent on their response. 

To date, 10 Indian personnel have been killed while deployed under UNMISS.

A total of 2249 personnel from the Indian Army have been deployed in South Sudan. 

The deployment includes troops from the medical corps, engineering corps, army supply corps, and other infantry units. 

As of April 30, 2016, Ethiopia is the largest contributor to UN Peace Keeping Operations worldwide, with 8321 troops - followed by India, with 7696 troops, and Pakistan with 7298 troops.