At least 135 Indians and 103 Sri Lankan forces serving with the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan have received medals for outstanding services in the country.

The 135 Indian troops deployed to volatile Jonglei and Pibor Administrative Area were honoured for daring the risky operating environment to save lives.

“My heartfelt congratulations to all these officers for their contributions towards the fulfillment of the UNMISS mandate in this challenging environment, said UNMISS Force Commander Lt. Gen. Shailesh Tinaikar, in press release seen by the City Review on Monday.

According to the press release, the officers were deployed in Bor and Pibor and have temporary base in Akobo. These are the most affected areas in greater Jonglei State that, which have experience protracted inter-communal violence in the past years.

The difficult to access areas have also been hit by floods which displaced thousands who are now in dire need of humanitarian assistance, where efforts of Sri Lankan pilots have helped in airlifting relief and aid workers to save lives of vulnerable people.

“You have flown in the most difficult of circumstances. In the past, two helicopters have been shot down in this part of the country, but you have never let that stop you from carrying on with your vital work. You have been as brave and committed as one would expect pilots from your country to be,” the released added.