1.        Genesis.   Since its independence from United Kingdom in 1959, Sudan was marred by religious, tribal and political conflicts. The prominent conflict was between the Islamic dominated North Sudan and Tribal dominated South Sudan. By 2003, the constant conflict in Sudan had resulted in a large scale humanitarian crises with wide spread famine. With the involvement of the international community and UN, a Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) was signed on 09 January 2005, which provided for autonomy to South Sudan for six years, referendum on independence for South Sudan, equal political representation in the Government and equal economic share to South Sudan.  The implementation of the agreement was disrupted due to the death of South Sudanese Co-Vice President under mysterious circumstances, in 2005. The UN initially established a political mission to oversee the implementation of the agreement. However, due to concerns arising over the likely resumption of hostilities, a Chapter VII mission (UNMIS) was established in 2005. The mandate of the mission was support implementation of CPA, promote rule of law, reorganize police forces, support humanitarian assistance, rehabilitation of refugees and internally displaced persons and coordinate de-mining operations.

2.       Contribution.    Indian Army contribution was substantial with two Infantry Battalion Groups, Engineer Company, Field Ambulance, Transport Company and a Signal Group. Apart from the above, the Indian Air Force contributed six Mi-17 helicopters. The Indian contingents operated under one of the most challenging and difficult operational, terrain and weather conditions.  The Indian Contingents undertook proactive operations to ensure opening of lines of communication, protection of important towns, protection of verification teams and extension of humanitarian assistance.  The Indian contingents fought gallantly to protect civilians from attacks by Armed Groups. The CIMIC activities of the Indian contingents included resuscitation of infrastructure to include schools, hospitals and communication infrastructure. The Indian contribution greatly assisted in successful conduct of the referendum.