Why Were 2 Indian Peacekeepers Honored Posthumously with Dag Hammarskjold Medals?
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Synopsis
On May 30, the UN honored Brigadier Amitabh Jha and Havildar Sanjay Singh posthumously with Dag Hammarskjold medals for their courageous service in peacekeeping missions. Their commitment to the UN's ideals continues to inspire future generations. Discover more about their legacies and the impact of peacekeepers worldwide.
Key Takeaways
- Brigadier Amitabh Jha and Havildar Sanjay Singh received the Dag Hammarskjold medals posthumously.
- The medals were presented by Antonio Guterres during a UN ceremony.
- Jha was the acting force commander of UNDOF during critical times in Syria.
- The ceremony coincided with the 77th UN Peacekeepers Day.
- The Indian Army also commemorated the sacrifices of peacekeepers at the National War Memorial.
United Nations, May 30 (NationPress) Brigadier Amitabh Jha and Havildar Sanjay Singh, who tragically lost their lives while on peacekeeping missions, have been awarded the prestigious Dag Hammarskjold medals.
India's Permanent Representative P Harish accepted the medals on Thursday (US time) from Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during a ceremony dedicated to honoring peacekeepers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the UN.
Jha served as the acting force commander of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), which is stationed in the Golan Heights to oversee the ceasefire between Israel and Syria following the 1973 war.
In his remarks, Guterres stated, "Jha operated as acting Force Commander of UNDOF during challenging times, particularly after the fall of the Assad Government in Syria. His leadership and dedication to UN peacekeeping will not be forgotten, especially during his tenure as a military observer in the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) from 2005 to 2006.
According to a citation from India, Jha "was instrumental in managing a critical security scenario that unfolded during the Syrian crisis in December 2024." During that month, the government of Damascus under Bashar al-Assad collapsed, and the area overseen by UNDOF faced immense pressure from both Israel and various Syrian factions.
"Jha was a steadfast individual, as demonstrated by his adept handling of UNDOF's affairs as acting force commander. Both his supporters and critics will remember him fondly," the citation emphasized.
Sanjay Singh was serving with MONUSCO at the time of his passing. Additionally, the citation highlighted the loss of Waibhav Anil Kale, a retired Indian Army colonel, who died last year while fulfilling a civilian role for the UN in Gaza. Kale was serving as a security service coordinator when the vehicle he was in was attacked by Israeli forces in the Rafah region.
Thursday marked the observance of the 77th UN Peacekeepers Day, celebrating the contributions of 61,353 peacekeepers, including 5,375 from India.
In New Delhi, the Indian Army conducted a ceremony at the National War Memorial to commemorate the Blue Helmets who have perished in the service of the UN.
Lieutenant General Rakesh Kapoor, the deputy chief of Army Staff, presided over the ceremony honoring the 182 Indian peacekeepers who lost their lives during UN missions.
Point of View
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Dag Hammarskjold medals?
The Dag Hammarskjold medals are awarded posthumously to UN peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, recognizing their bravery and sacrifice.
Who were the Indian peacekeepers honored?
The honored peacekeepers were Brigadier Amitabh Jha and Havildar Sanjay Singh.
What is the significance of UN Peacekeepers Day?
UN Peacekeepers Day is observed to honor the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women serving in peacekeeping missions around the world.
What role did Brigadier Jha play in peacekeeping?
Brigadier Jha served as the acting force commander of the UN Disengagement Observer Force in the Golan Heights, overseeing critical operations during the Syrian crisis.
How many Indian peacekeepers have served under the UN?
Approximately 5,375 Indian peacekeepers have served under the UN, highlighting India's significant contribution to global peace efforts.
