KATHMANDU, JANUARY 17
Jabarjung Battalion of the Nepali Army, deployed in the Central African Republic under the United Nations peacekeeping mission, has been conferred with UN Force Commander's Commendation for successful operation in pushing back armed groups in the war ridden city of Boyo in the Central African Republic.
Nepali troops were deployed as reinforcement to various locations to pacify the situation and to protect the population from possible threat. Troops of the Jabarjung Battalion, also known as NE PHRPB IV in the peace keeping mission, were felicitated especially due to their mission between December 13 to 23 last year called 'Jabar-1' and from December 24 to the currently ongoing mission called 'Jabar-2'.
During these missions, Nepali troops were able to push back an armed and ruthless group called Unite Pour La Paix En Centrafrique (UPC) from their stronghold in the city of Boyo. "The Force Commander's Commendation was provided for successful completion of Mission Mandate of Protection of Civilian by the MINUSCA, Force Headquarters," an NA press release read.
The Nepali team was deployed in the Boyo area where armed conflict between two rebel groups, representing the Muslim and Christian communities was on, often leading to massacres of women and children of the two communities.
Another group, Anti-Balaka' had terrorised the city when it was pushed by the UN peace keeping mission. Later the UPC had tried to take over the city, finding no rival group there. The felicitation letter of the UN states, "The armed movement of UPC seen in Boyo on 23 December 2021, the quick response for the Protection of Civilians in Boyo through immediate launch of robust patrolling 24/7 through the city was a milestone in POC duties in protecting civilians."
It further said 'the deteriorating situation which was taken under control by the NEP HRPB IV Commanding Officer Lt Col Rajesh Bikram Shahi to push the UPC back and to provide security and ensure the POC is praiseworthy."
A letter from the UN to Nepali Army regarding the certification said that the armed movement of UPC seen in Boyo on 23 December 2021 and the quick response for the Protection of Civilians in Boyo by immediate launch of robust patrolling 24/7 through the city of Boyo was a milestone in POC duties for protection of civilians.
"The courageous effort of the Battalion Commander and his troops from Tob Boyo with tireless robust patrolling and action made the Boyo city free of UPC on 26 December 2021.
This is highly appreciated and commendable," reads the letter.
The operation to make Boyo free from UPC was successful only because of well planned and coordinated effort of NEP HRPB IV troops fully dedicated and devoted to the service of MINUSCA.
It also praised the battalion for its unfailing dedication to the successful initiation of the operation. "The work accomplished has helped Nepal shine in the international arena," the certificate reads.
A version of this article appears in the print on January 18, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.
