THE OBSERVER FOR PEACE IN KASHMIR

United Nations Military Observer Group United Nations in India and Pakistan Peace Operations MAGAZINE 2015 From the Desk of the Head of Mission/ Chief Military Observer

UNMOGIP today, like years before, continues to contribute effectively to peace. I urge all to engender a dynamic work culture through teamwork, impartiality and optimism, in order to forge ahead for world peace. Let us also uphold the sanctity of UN values always. Be role models wherever you are and back your efforts up with I am pleased to associate UN Headquarters, including petitions determination and resilience. myself with ‘The Observer as and when received. I commend I am thankful to the two host nations of Magazine’ which I consider a all, for the visible presence and the India and Pakistan and their respective useful tool for UNMOGIP. sustained efforts. Our collective authorities with whom we work. will has magnified our strengths Equally, I appreciate the collaborative This third edition is a follow-up to the to help make our goal attainments support from all other UN Agencies in two earlier publications of 2012 and meaningful. With enormous support the two host countries; especially the 2014. I pay tribute to the praiseworthy from our Mission Support and Security efforts of the UN designated officials novelty of Major General Young-Bum Section, including assistance from (DOs) of both Pakistan and India. I Choi, my predecessor and his team for all local staff and the Army Liaison appreciate all the high level dignitaries setting the tone. Each peacekeeping Officers respectively in Srinagar and who visited UNMOGIP for their fruitful mission is unique with its challenges Islamabad, we have played our part interactions. I convey special thanks and peculiarities. UNMOGIP is no towards our mandate implementation. to the troop contributing countries exception. With its vast ground area of I recognize all women of UNMOGIP, to UNMOGIP namely Chile, Croatia, responsibility, characterized by rugged including our four UNMO womenfolk Finland, Ghana, Italy, Philippines, terrain and extreme climate, I am at the moment. Our October 2014 Switzerland, South Korea, Sweden, impressed by the abundant human Headquarters’ movement from Thailand and Uruguay. I thank most energies that the relatively few UNMOs Srinagar to Islamabad was efficiently especially the UN Headquarters for the of UNMOGIP have exerted so far. conducted and I look forward same regular support to UNMOGIP. UNMOs have operated effectively from for the upcoming April 2015 relocation I strongly believe that if “We Go our UN Field Stations that are widely back to Srinagar. I am also satisfied Together “as espoused in our slogan, dispersed across the fields in order to with the last UNMO Conference which we can positively stay on course. observe developments along the Line of served as useful tool for lessons learnt. Control (LOC), in line with the mandate Senior management will continue to of UNMOGIP. We undertook field trips, encourage a learning organization, conducted area and promote sound staff mindset and carried out observation post duties. cherish best practices. We will inspire We also investigated complaints physical well-being through various Maj Gen Delali Sakyi of alleged ceasefire violations and forms of sporting activities. ‘A sound Chief Military Observer/Head of processed them for delivery to the body they say, houses a sound mind’. Mission

2 UNMOGIP MAGAZINE A YEAR IN UNMOGIP My year in UNMOGIP

When I was young and and supported my drive to take already making Field Station impatient, my dad used up my responsibilities. visits. Not only did I enjoy them but to say: “The beginning is It felt as if I were meeting the were useful for the organization always difficult – at the end world in the first two months after as well. My colleagues got to of all the hard work”. my arrival. Getting acquainted know me and I built a connection with staff, familiarizing with with them that is usually required So, when I arrived in Islamabad, routines and representing CMO to learn techniques, tactics and at almost 50 and still impatient, at receptions consumed most the environment. I am thankful that phrase echoed in my mind. of my time. What was left was to my superiors at UNMOGIP for The most challenging period spent celebrating Christmas and their support to make these Field luckily didn’t last long. The New Year celebrations with Hunk Station visits. warm welcome and good rapport and Meat hosted by Fijians of During the Field Station visits I among UNMOGIP personnel UNMOGIP and UNDSS. realized that it was important to enabled rapid transition to work By the end of December I was bridge cultural differences and so

The writer (former Deputy Chief Military Observer, DCMO) with an UNMO and Pakistan Army Driver

UNMOGIP MAGAZINE 3 A YEAR IN UNMOGIP

The writer coming face to face with a landslide en route to Muzaffarabad in February 2014

to make an effort in this direction, It is tremendously important to Col Jouko Rauhala on the occasion of Finland’s understand all standpoints when Former Deputy Chief Military Winter War Memorial Day I we at UNMOGIP are playing our Observer made a presentation on Finnish part. identity for all staff members in In the months that followed, Islamabad. we handled UNMOGIP in HQ In a 66 year old mission such as relocation, CMO’s change and the UNMOGIP, communication Indian Visa issue, New Delhi Office remains the key to success. vacation, worst floods in a century It’s vital to recognize different in Srinagar and biannual UNMO cultures, different language skills Conference. It went smooth. and different length of experience My year at UNMOGIP gave me a in the mission. I say this from chance to learn from my superiors my own experience because and colleagues. Here, I want to my understanding of “Kashmir thank all UNMOGIP personnel dispute”, improved only after my for their professionalism, first couple of months in Indian commitment and friendship Administered side of LoC (IAK). towards me.

4 UNMOGIP MAGAZINE A YEAR IN UNMOGIP Message from New Deputy Chief Military Observer (DCMO)

Dear military observers, civil personnel and all readers, in the beginning I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at UNMOGIP for very warm and friendly welcome to the Headquarters.

Let me introduce myself first. I am Arto Ikonen from Finland. I am 50 years old and I am blessed to have a lovely family that includes my wife Päivi and and three daughters aged 23, 20 and 16 years. Jogging is my hobby but opportunities with colleagues in know that the Mission here has I also like other forms of physical HQ, visiting and participating in been doing a great job for many activity. I think being physically different tasks at the Field Stations years. In the same way personnel active is my passion. and meeting with local authorities have been performing their duties I have worked for 26 years in the one gets a better understanding very well for a long time, so I Finnish Army, Army Command of the situation than one can get am encouraged to take the good and Defense Command. I from just reading. Being on the practices forward from here. participated in KFOR operation in ground also helps performs tasks So let’s continue with the good Kosovo in 2007. My last post was more efficiently and effectively. work. I look forward to close Commanding in Lapland Air Therefore I look forward to start cooperation with all the competent Defense during 2013- visiting Field Stations and other and accomplished colleagues. 2014. This Regiment is located areas of our responsibility very In the end, I wish to thank my in the Arctic Circle in Northern soon. predecessor Col Jouko Rauhala Finland and it is just 3 kilometers Looking back at the varied personal for the hand over and help. away from the Workshop of Santa and professional experiences Claus. The weather conditions in I have had in life I understand Col Arto Ikonen Finland are really different and that being humble and focused Deputy Chief Military I’m lucky to be here where there achieve results. Sometimes the Observer is more sun and less snow. destination may appear far away, Before arriving here, I read as but it is always very important to much as I could about the history keep going and striving for our of Kashmir area and the mission aims. With renewed enthusiasm of UNMOGIP. But as you probably and determination I have assumed know it is only after intensive work my responsibilities. I am happy to

UNMOGIP MAGAZINE 5 A YEAR IN UNMOGIP From the Chief of Mission Support Desk

arrival warmth awaited me. After Kuwait continue to visit the Mission and enjoying a welcome that extended over discuss with staff issues of conflict, two days that included a sumptuous conduct and discipline that need to be Pakistani dinner hosted by the OiC - addressed. The Mission participates Mission Support Mr. Pedro Burgos and actively in the Senior Management staff, on 07 July, 2014, I assumed Team (SMT) meeting as well as engage my function as the Chief of Mission the representatives of the Troop Support. I find it important to talk here Contributing Countries (TCCs) and about UNMOGIP briefly for the benefit Defense Attaches (DAO) through regular “Welcome my CMS for of our readers. In January 1948, the contacts and providing information UNMOGIP’’ This one Security Council adopted resolution regarding UNMOGIP. sentence proved to be a life 39 (1948) and established the Our journey towards success is made changing experience for me. United Nations Commission for India and possible through the cooperation of Pakistan to investigate the facts all stakeholders who are committed to After liquidating United Nations pursuant to Article-34 of the Charter achieving peace in the Kashmir Region Integrated Peace building Office in of the United Nations and to exercise including the host nations of India and Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL) I was quite any mediatory influence likely to raise Pakistan. We salute all our partners for certain I would be returning to the United difficulties in the dispute regarding the their support and cooperation with us. Nations Operations in Côte d’Ivoire status of Kashmir. At present, the task UNMOGIP is a Mission with limited (ONUCI) where I was to serve as the of UNMOGIP is to observe developments resources but the staff are dedicated Chief Administrative Services (CAS). pertaining to the strict observance of and self-motivated to always work Going back and forth I was also offered the ceasefire of 17 December 1971 harder for the implementation of the the assignment to liquidate the Mission and to report thereon to the Secretary Mission mandate. Although the in Burundi. On March 18, 2014 when I General. Mission Support continued to Mission mandate has not changed went to meet with the Under Secretary- adjust its structure in order to effectively since 1948 the requirements for General for the Department of Field implement UNMOGIP mandate as Mission Support have changed. Support (USG/DFS), Ms Ameerah Haq, I outlined in Security Council resolutions We now have to adjust to the new was pleasantly surprised to learn from 47 (1948) and 91 (1951). challenges that come up in the her that my destination was no longer We continue to enhance inter mission course of our operation. I feel proud Burundi but Pakistan and India where I cooperation with Missions in the region of UNMOGIP staff who have all risen would be the Chief of Mission Support especially UNAMA. The Mission is up to the occasion and have placed (CMS) for UNMOGIP. hosting UNAMA Liaison office while themselves in a position to meet the This was a challenge for me in more at the same time UNAMA continues new demands. Together we can make ways than one. Not only because to provide support in areas where UNMOGIP achieve its mandate. UNMOGIP had never been on my radar UNMOGIP does not have the resources but also because UNMOGIP had been and expertise. Also, the Regional without a substantive CMS for almost Ombudsman Office in Bangkok, a year. On 04 July, 2014, I set off from Thailand and the Inter Conduct Nester Odaga-Jalomayo Sierra Leone for Islamabad. Upon and Discipline Unit (ICDU) based in Chief of Mission Support

6 UNMOGIP MAGAZINE LIFE AS IT IS Driving in UNMOGIP An Observer Mission With a Difference

Military Observers are more or less passengers and this is indeed unique and different from other missions of the UN.

Every prospective military officer nominated for observer mission will think of perfecting his/her driving skills before embarking on the mission. This is because driving test is taken seriously by the UN and indeed DPKO. Consequently, The Writer with a Pakistani Army Driver UNMOGIP Vehicle on Area Reconnaissance passing one’s driving test among other Patrols in the Kashmir Region requirements is a panacea to serving in imagination of such a picture could well almost all missions as United Nations be that of mine. Anyway, that was in the discharging their duties. They are selfless, Military Observer. A failure may mean past. The question now is why do Military committed and friendly. The drivers who having to be given second or third Observers in UNMOGIP not allowed are not known by the outside world are opportunities to pass. If however, all the to drive? Perhaps, the most plausible temporarily attached to the Mission for chances are exhausted, repatriation may answers given have to do with the nature periodic rotational basis. They are given be the only option left. To avoid this passing of the terrain in the AOR of UNMOGIP. orders through laid down arrangements one’s driving test is not traded for any other What is it about the terrain that should regarding pick up and drop off timings of thing. Well, the story in UNMOGIP is quite prevent Military Observers from driving? personnel at the Headquarters. All other different. In spite of feverish preparations Well, this is the area that is home to the requests are communicated to them and anticipations to surmount the Himalayas. The terrain is indeed rugged well ahead and they accordingly honor dreaded driving test associated with and winding with frightening steep slopes. them. Of course, provisions are made observer missions, all one needs to know The roads running through the mountains for emergency situations. In the Field is the transport system and its unique are restricted as result of natural Stations, they drive UNMOs in all their arrangements in the Mission. During ‘In- imposition. It could be that the forebears assignments from Area Reconnaissance Briefing and Orientation Training’, one dreaded the dangerous mountainous and Observation Post Duties through Field is told that UNMOs are not permitted to region and decided otherwise in order to Trips to Investigation Sites. Their work drive. The reason is never satisfactorily avoid registering fatalities. The decision to and contribution to UNMOGIP operations given. In any case most people do not let the Army drivers of the host countries are impeccable. These unassuming Army bother to find out the reasons behind this to drive can only be applauded. The drivers will one day pat their shoulders prohibition. By the way, why would anyone Army drivers are familiar with the area if an eventual peace is attained in the worry if there are excellent arrangements and therefore conversant with the road Kashmir Region. Make a request and in place to ensure effectiveness at work network. The fear of height does not arise. an Army driver with a UN vehicle will be and comfort in moving from one place Just see them behind the steering wheel there on time to take you to your desired to another? Ah, speaking of driving test, and you will nod in concurrence. destination. For the selfless services of have we thought of horse riding test for The provision of Army drivers is one of these drivers UNMOGIP thrives. Military places that horses are still the means of the contributions being made by the Observers are more or less passengers transport. Anyway, maybe not this age host countries to facilitate and support and this is indeed unique and different and time. Going through the archives of the Mission. The drivers are disciplined from other missions of the UN. UNMOGIP, I found a picture of Uruguayan and professionally minded. They have Officer (Major Emilio Altieri) riding a horse high sense of duty and always respond Lt Col DD Gbedawo while on patrols along the cease-fire promptly to all assignments. They also Military Assistant to Chief Military line in the Kashmir Region in 1955. Your exhibit immaculate professionalism in Observer/Head Of Mission

UNMOGIP MAGAZINE 7 UNMOGIP FAMILY UNMOGIP Family

Head of Mission/ Chief Military Observer (HMO/ CMO), Deputy Chief Military Observer (DCMO) And Chief Mission Support (CMS) With United Nations Military Observers (UNMOs)

Head of Mission/ Chief Military Observer (HoM/CMO) with International Staff

Head of Mission/ Chief Military Observer (HoM/CMO) with National Staff

8 UNMOGIP MAGAZINE UNMOGIP FAMILY Troop Contributing Countries as at January 2015

Chile

Croatia Uruguay

Finland

Thailand

Ghana

Switzerland

Italy

Sweden

Philippines South Korea

UNMOGIP MAGAZINE 9 UNMOGIP IN PICTURES UNMOGIP in pictures

UNMOGIP HQs in Srinagar Croatian UNMOs

Pakistan Army band performing at UNMOGIP HQ Islamabad Saluting the UN flag

Investigation Workshop HoM/CMO awarding medal to a female UNMO

10 UNMOGIP MAGAZINE UNMOGIP IN PICTURES

Farewell for outgoing UNMO at UNMOGIP HQs Islamabad CMS presenting a token to visiting Chief Peacekeep- ing Operations Support Section

UNMOGIP Cricket team

Flag Lowering Ceremony for outgoing Italian UNMOs The Deputy Chief Military Observer welcoming the Head of the Swiss Armed Forces International Relations, Brigadier General Peter Wanner to UNMOGIP

UNMOGIP MAGAZINE 11 COME TO UNMOGIP At the UN Field Station in Kotli

Greetings from UNFS Kotli!

UNFS Kotli is one of the UN Field Stations on the Pakistani side of UNMOGIP’s area of responsibility. The city of Kotli (or Cotly, as known in Britain) is located in the middle of UNMOGIP AoR, approximately, 75 km far away from Islamabad. If you travel to Kotli by UN route, the distance will be longer and you will spend 5-6 hrs on the road. Kotli is the main town of Kotli Kotli Field Station

Tata Pani Area

12 UNMOGIP MAGAZINE COME TO UNMOGIP

Aerial view of Kotli Township district, which covers 1862 km² and with the population of about 640.000 citizens. The area is mainly mountainous area with altitudes up to 3000 m. The road conditions along the area of Kotli are average for Kashmir but remote rural areas sometimes are unreachable by car. Kotli is located in the valley bound with river Poonch. The climate in Kotli area is moderate. Office In summer time temperature goes up to 40 Celsius and during winter so performing our tasks is easier. alleged cease fire violation. temperature ranges from 12 to -2 Radio communication assets and This involves interactions with the degrees Celsius. June is the hottest telephones are easily approachable local population and Pakistani units month of the year. because they are our connection but generates a lot of paper work. UNFS Kotli, like some other stations, with the outside world and with our Together with the opportunity to is located inside military compound. main HQ. Internet is crucial media contribute in maintaining peace in The compound has two yards for contact with families and in Kashmir, we are awarded a chance that provide the parking area UNFS Kotli our Internet works well. to see a lot of beautiful places along for our vehicles. It also has two Daily routine at UNFS Kotli is not the task routes. buildings which serve the purpose different from daily routines at This is UNFS Kotli in short. I hope of accommodating UNMOs. It other FSs. Team Kotli conducts Area it encourages UNMOs to fulfill their has all facilities for cooking and Recces, Field Trips to Pakistan Army “Posting preferences” for Kotli. recreation. Finnish Sauna, Pakistan units and Observation Posts with the Army medical facility and a church accent on night observation posts, Welcome to Kotli! add to the quality of modest life close to the Line of Control. The within the compound. The station’s most challenging and demanding Lt Col Zlatan Sever main office is well equipped and jobs definitely are investigating

UNMOGIP MAGAZINE 13 COME TO UNMOGIP Serving as a UN Military Observer in Sialkot

The life of a United Military by talking to the locals and the area an example of which are Observer Group in India and local authorities and report to the fast food outlets nearby. Pakistan (UNMOGIP) is much Headquarters. Gaining respect One draws satisfaction not only more than just being a soldier and trust of people is important from completing the day’s work on patrols around his Area of because at the end of the day, all alone but also by being able Operations (AoR) and reporting crucial information for planning to talk with using internet and back on what is necessary and decision making of Security going to breathtaking places for planning and helpful for Council comes from the locals. where others fear or fail to go. the Commander in making Our tasks include Area Recce Meeting with a total stranger decisions. The only difference is to collect information about the who invites you to his house that we perform our mandated situation of a certain area related over “chai”, local tea with milk, task without guns. to the Ceasefire Agreement; day is heartwarming. But being able As a Military Observer, life starts and night Observation Post (OP) to contribute to achievement of from the very day you arrive at and investigation by gathering UNMOGIP’s mandate in keeping Islamabad International Airport, evidence regarding ceasefire the peace between Pakistan and Pakistan, until the end of your violations and eventually India is a unique reward. tour of duty. reporting to HQ. Serving as Military Observer UNFS Sialkot is a five hour drive Challenges unique to every involves sacrifice. Being away southeast of Islamabad. It is Field Station will always test from those who are dear to us located inside cantonment area, your limit. But remember to is always the hardest part. But where the 15th HQ approach these challenges with there is also a lighter side to and the 8th Division HQ of the confidence and positive attitude. it which is full of excitement, Pakistan Army are located. The challenges, and rewards, as field task is no different from the Maj Aladdin Caluza we explore the way of life of other stations. Aside from normal UN Military Observer - Pakistan and Indian people in Area Recce and investigation, Sialkot performance of our mandated it is more focused on border task as Peacekeepers. crossing of UNMOGIP personnel Coping up with a diverse unit and vehicles from Pakistan to of different nationalities in the India and through the Border Field Station adds to the charm Crossing Point (BCP) located of serving as Military Observer. along the working boundary of Life in the Field Station is both countries. generally simple, you just have Life as a Military Observer has to maintain your presence in its own rewards. Being one of your AoR as representative the selected few to work with of the United Nation and UNMOGIP is very prestigious. ambassador of good will, collect At UNFS Sialkot, one can enjoy information by observation or being in a clean and developed

14 UNMOGIP MAGAZINE COME TO UNMOGIP

Border Crossing Point between Jammu and Sialkot

UNMOGIP MAGAZINE 15 COME TO UNMOGIP Life in UNMOGIP Liaison Office in New Delhi

Liaison Officer with UNMOGIP Staff

The premises of New Delhi Liaison Office of UNMOGIP were recently moved to a new location, closer to Liaison Officer with Staff the Gandhi International Airport. The new office is easy to reach first floor. We now also have a lush by taxi or tuc-tuc. It is located in garden and terrace which can the southern part of New Delhi in be used for holding get together Vasant Vihar, a posh residential and celebrations outdoors. In line area, close to several Embassies with the new modern outfit, the and Diplomatic Agencies. Moving entire office set up and overall the office premises successfully, presentation of our premises was possible because of careful has a got a major uplift. In the planning, involvement and revamp set up, besides attending collective dedicated efforts of to the routine SMT meetings and CMO and all Civilian Staff in other meetings related to security coordination with SOIC and AA. issues, the SOIC also officially It was a well-coordinated effort represents UNMOGIP at key that led to the smooth and well official invitations from Embassies organized shifting. Special thanks and other diplomatic missions in go to local civilian UN employees New Delhi on behalf of CMO/HoM. in New Delhi for their great efforts. The new independent bungalow Maj Alfio Scaccianoce UNMOGIP Liaison Office in New feels fresh and has ample space UNMOGIP Liaison Officer Delhi, India to accommodate the office of the CMO/SOIC and AA/UNMOGIP separately on the ground floor, besides housing the Guest room and the Rest Room of SOIC on the

16 UNMOGIP MAGAZINE VISITORS’ DIARY VISITORS’ DIARY

The Deputy Chief Military Observer (DCMO) welcoming The CMO/HOM in a hearty handshake with a COSA a member of COSA to UNMOGIP Headquarters member

The Military Information Officer (MIO) welcoming a The CMO/HOM making a point to some members of COSA COSA member

EU Ambassador His Excellency Lars-Gunnar Wigemark Netherlands Ambassador His Excellency Marcel de Vink in tete-a-tete chat with the Chief Military Observer/Head of Mission

UNMOGIP MAGAZINE 17 VISITORS’ DIARY

Korean Ambassador in a pose with UNMOs VIPs observing minute of silence at UNMOGIP Headquarters Islamabad during Medal Day Parade

Dignitaries on visit to UNMOGIP Headquarters The Chief Military Observer/Head of Mission (CMO/HOM) with UNMOGIP Headquarters Staff and members of Pakistani Corps of Service Attaches (COSA) Defence Attache

18 UNMOGIP MAGAZINE ACROSS THE LINE OF CONTROL My Time in UNMOGIP as Medical Officer

In January 2013 Swiss Army asked me if I would like to go for another Military Observer Mission. It would be a new mission for Switzerland.

Before I left home for UNMOGIP, I did not know about the vacancy of the Medical Officer in this mission. I wished to be on a regular Military Observer posting so that I could go in the mountains to meet people and learn about a new culture. But it seems fate had something else planned for me. My stay in UNMOGIP turned out to be completely different. I arrived in Islamabad in February inspections. Aid equipment of all vehicles and 2014 on a very early Sunday During the six-week hygiene I explained how to use the items. morning. The Deputy Chief Military inspection tour in Kashmir area I had Everyone participated very actively Observer (DCMO) gave me a very the opportunity to visit all FS. During in the practical training sequences warm welcome at the Finnish the long car rides I got a chance to for evacuating patients out of House. enjoy beautiful Kashmir landscapes. vehicles and stabilizing a patient. At The next morning DCMO briefed me I don’t think I would ever forget the that time I discovered that the First about the alarmingly poor hygienic hospitable locals. Aid equipment in all vehicles was conditions at the Field Stations Besides hygiene inspections, I also below UN standards. (FS). I wanted to concentrate on my had the task to visit the Combined The hygiene situations I met at Military Observer duties ignoring Military Hospitals (CMH) in vicinity of the FS were far from satisfactory. DCMO’s concerns but soon realized the FS and gain an overview about It was not easy to explain to local that he was fully justified and medical capacities and if UNMOGIP cooks and helpers the importance hygiene was a genuine issue. could count on medical support in of maintaining good hygiene. Within a week I was to start hygiene case of emergencies far away from Part of the problem was a lack of inspections in all FS. I had a lot the HQ in Islamabad. education as well. Even the best of of questions in mind about my At all FS I could provide basic hygiene plans are useless without duties as Medical Officer revolving First Aid Training for the Military proper equipment. For this reason around relevant documents of my Observers and the drivers from the I highlighted the need for adequate predecessors, computer passwords, Pakistani Army. I was surprised how equipment along with the hygiene road conditions, maps and situation much the local drivers appreciated situation in all reports I prepared. at the FS where I was to carry out this training. We checked the First I am glad that I had the opportunity

UNMOGIP MAGAZINE 19 ACROSS THE LINE OF CONTROL

to hand in a medical budget and a justification for a Level 1 Clinic. My main tasks towards the end of my mission were to have a permanent appointed Medical Officer, equipping UN vehicles with mandatory DPKO Trauma Kits and have all FS reach an acceptable hygienic level. The recent flood in the Kashmir area revealed how vulnerable the situation in our Area of Operation is. The medical situation needs to be improved for the long-term. This only can be done with a permanently appointed Medical Officer. It makes me more than happy that I could convince the key staff officers to support this project.

Capt Dr Mathias Bosiger Medical Officer UNMOGIP

20 UNMOGIP MAGAZINE ACROSS THE LINE OF CONTROL My Summer Experience in Srinagar

I arrived in UNMOGIP in December 13, 2013 and performed the task in UNFS Rawalakot, Kotli, Bhimber, Rajouri and Jammu.

I mainly stayed in Indian side because few UNMOs had Indian visas. I was positioned as Military Information Officer in Islamabad at the end of April. Beginning May, UNMOGIP HQ was relocated to Srinagar. I served in Srinagar for approximately three months. When I went to Srinagar, I got to understand why Jammu & Kashmir chose Srinagar as the capital of summer. The weather is so pleasant in Srinagar during summer. No wonder Srinagar is a popular tourist destination with local and foreign tourists. What fascinated fenced compound and office is CMO General Sakyi who helped us me is that UNMOGIP HQ in Srinagar easy to approach. This enables staff stay together during good and bad is close to Dal Lake where fabulous members to be together for every times. During the tough time we boats, called house boats float all the meal including weekends. Basic went through in Srinagar, we learnt time. Unluckily I could not go for this exercise facilities are available in the that it is important to stay focused boat ride but most of my colleagues gym. and enduring no matter how adverse in Srinagar enjoyed this recreation. Heavy rains struck Srinagar on Sep the situation. I cannot forget to thank Srinagar somewhat has some 7, 2014. Due to unprecedented the local staff in Srinagar for their security challenges as compared to consecutive heavy rainfall, Srinagar kindness and professionalism. I other areas on the Indian side. Many city was inundated but UNMOGIP HQ always found them eager to support incidents occur near Srinagar which in Srinagar could survive because it UN officers even if it required them calls for enforcement of security is situated on a higher ground behind to work on weekends. At UNMOGIP measures. For example, security the mountain. Municipal facilities we are always one team. Our screening at Srinagar Airport is more were dysfunctional and this led to nationalities might be different but strict than is in other areas. The Indian the city being cut off from everything our goals may not. Army Liaison Officer (IALO) at times and everywhere. Under the support prohibits staff members from going of Indian Army, we were able to Maj Hoyul Chun outdoors and exercising caution. pull through this tough time. Here UN Military Observer-Srinagar Accommodation provided is in a I would like to express gratitude to

UNMOGIP MAGAZINE 21 You make us proud – Our Female UNMO

Please tell us about yourself I am Squadron Leader Chuleeporn SUNGMANA from Royal Thai Air Force. first. About your home country, I was born in CHAINAT province, a small city in Thailand, Southeast Asian your family, education etc. country. I am from a Buddhist farmer family. I graduated with Bachelors of Arts (Political Science) from Kasetsart University, Thailand in 2000. After I graduated, I started my military career in Royal Thai Air Force in 2003.

How did you end up working for I applied for UN mission in 2013. We have Peace Operations Centre and we the UNMOGIP? use “On-Call List” system in Thailand for providing military officers to support UN missions. The selection process includes test in English, Physical Fitness, knowledge of the UN, an interview and UNMO Training Course. After I passed the selection process, Peace Operations Centre informed me that UNMOGIP requested 3 military officers from Thailand to replace Thai UNMOs in the Mission. I confirmed them without hesitation because I intended to participate in UN mission. My family also agreed with me.

22 UNMOGIP MAGAZINE Where did you serve before you Before arriving at the mission, I worked as personnel officer at Directorate came to Islamabad? How are of Intelligence, Royal Thai Air Force HQ in Bangkok, Thailand since your duties different from your October 2013. Before that I worked at the Directorate of Personnel as previous assignment/posting? Plans and Policy Officer for 5 years and then at Wing 4 Air Base as a Personnel Officer for 5 years. My major experience relates to Human Resource Management. My previous work experience differs from my role as UNMO in UNMOGIP in so many ways. I had only documents and paper work related to personnel previously but here I have to work with UNMOs who come from different countries and culture. Also, I get to work outside the office and interact with local people who are from entirely different culture, language and religion.

How did you feel when you were I was very excited and I thought it was very challenging for any woman to join told you would be going to serve UN mission as a Military Observer in a country which was so different from at UNMOGIP in Islamabad? mine.

Did you find this country different Yes, I did. Before I came here I followed the situation in Pakistan in from what you had heard about international media and there were a lot of negative news about terrorism or perceived before you came and natural disasters in this area. But when I arrived and worked here here? What do you like about the picture was different. People are very friendly. They are warm and being here? always try to help when we have problems while conducting field tasks. Different language, religion and culture did not make me uncomfortable or awkward in any way. In peacekeeping operations, we need to solve problems by peaceful negotiation and this comes naturally to a woman.

What are your duties as a female My duties are not different from those of my male counterparts. We perform UNMO? Are they different from your the same tasks. But sometimes male UNMOs need help in situations where male counterparts in any way? Do being a woman comes as an advantage. For example, when we need to you have an edge being a female? approach local females to fulfill our tasks, the women and their families freely communicate with us.

Please share with us how is it It is very challenging for me to work with them because we come from working with male UNMOs at different cultural backgrounds. Sometimes we have different perspectives international level. What are the about matters but we need to discuss and share our opinions. In societies, challenges and what are the accepting or giving values to women’s opinion or ideas is not prevalent. We benefits? need to prove ourselves as professionals. It is not easy but is possible.

Would you like to give a message Yes, I want women who want to work as UNMOs not to be afraid of new to women who might be reading environments or any risks in the mission. This is a great opportunity for us to this or who might want to have learn and do what we might never get to do again in life. This job may not a career such as yours? Is it a seem comfortable for women to do but we can do it. All we need is to make an suitable job for females? What effort to learn to adapt to new people and situations. Just keep an open mind qualities should they have if they and that will open opportunities to do great things in your life. This will benefit want to make it? not only us but also people who suffer from conflict in their areas. There is no reason why a woman cannot be a peacekeeper.

Many Thanks for taking out time.

UNMOGIP MAGAZINE 23 United Nations Visual communications developed by Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan