Indian Army veterinary officers posted in the town since 2006 to assist the local population whose economy primarily depends on livestock breeding, are advising owners to be less harsh on the animals. The formula worked out by doctors to drive away the “suicidal tendencies” is a week’s rest and a good diet of grain.

“These donkeys have a very rudimentary harness and as a result they invariably have painful galls on the withers and chest. The carts are generally driven by young boys who continuously beat them with a whip made of plastic water pipes to goad them forward. After severe beating, hematoma develops and then they will bring the donkey to us for treatment,” writes Major Singh.

Close to 3,000 Indian troops are currently posed in southern Sudan. They form part of a 10,000-strong force of soldiers and police that was sent into the country in 2005 by the UN department of peacekeeping.