Army organise medical camp, veterinary camp benefiting over 500 local in remote Kither village of Kishtwar
Asif Iqbal Naik
Jammu: The Indian Army’s role in Jammu and Kashmir transcends conventional defense, establishing it as a multifaceted force operating on several critical fronts simultaneously. Foremost is the relentless and courageous fight against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, where soldiers maintain strict vigilance and conduct challenging counter-insurgency operations to ensure peace and stability, often at great personal risk including an ongoing operation in Kalaban forest area of Chatroo Sub Division in Kishtwar District where the operation against the hiding Pakistani terrorist is underway since Wednesday in which one Para commando Kapil Kumar from Uttar Pradesh got injured & is presently undergoing treatment at Army Command Hospital in Udhampur.
In one such latest goodwill and humanitarian gesture that Indian army undertaken in Kishtwar District of Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army organised a comprehensive Medical and Veterinary Camp at one of the remote Kither village in J&K under the aegis of Operation Sadbhavana to provide immediate relief and assistance to the local population, including the Gujjar and Bakkarwal communities. The initiative aimed at addressing healthcare and livestock welfare needs while reinforcing the Army’s continued commitment towards the well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The officials told News Insider 24X7 that a dedicated team comprising an Army Medical Officer, two Civil Physicians, and one Veterinary Specialist conducted the camp, offering expert consultations, medical examinations, and free distribution of essential medicines to the residents. The veterinary team provided medicines for common infections and diseases among livestock and educated villagers on livestock care, hygiene, and preventive measures to enhance animal health and productivity.
The camp witnessed an overwhelming response from nearby villages, with more than 548 civilians availing medical facilities and around 180 individuals receiving medicines for their livestock. Special emphasis was laid on the healthcare needs of women, children, and the elderly to ensure inclusive access to essential medical support. In total, approximately 220 men, 215 women, and 113 children benefited from the free medical care provided during the camp.
The local population expressed heartfelt gratitude for the timely assistance and compassionate efforts of the Indian Army. The initiative not only alleviated immediate medical concerns but also strengthened the enduring bond of trust, goodwill, and cooperation between the Indian Army and the local Awam.
The Indian Army remains steadfast in its commitment to serving the people of Jammu and Kashmir through sustained humanitarian and developmental initiatives under Operation Sadbhavana. These efforts continue to play a vital role in fostering stability, promoting social harmony, and contributing towards the overall growth and welfare of the region.
Operation Sadbhavana remains the flagship initiative for the Army’s “Winning Hearts and Minds” efforts, evolving beyond immediate relief to focus on long-term youth empowerment and skill development. Recent activities demonstrate a strong emphasis on education and technology. The Army is actively running its network of Army Goodwill Schools (AGS), which provide quality education to thousands of students, alongside initiatives like the ‘Super 50’ coaching program for underprivileged students aspiring for premier engineering and medical institutions like IITs and NEET. Furthermore, the Army has organized digital literacy and technical skill training courses for youth, such as a 45-day basic computer training for young girls in Akhnoor and specialized training in recovery vehicle operations for unemployed youth in Rajouri. Additionally, the flagging off of National Integration Tours for students from border districts like Poonch and Rajouri provides exposure to the diverse educational and professional landscape across the country, fundamentally aiming to integrate the local populace into the national mainstream.
Concurrently, the Army stands ready as a first responder during natural calamities, mobilizing rapidly to assist the local populace during devastating events like flash floods, cloudbursts, and harsh winters. Their civic action, conducted under initiatives like Operation Sadbhavana, includes not just providing essential aid and medical camps (as detailed above) but also undertaking crucial infrastructure development, such as the swift construction and repair of essential bridges and roads in remote areas. This sustained commitment showcases the Army’s dual mandate: to protect the nation’s integrity from external and internal threats while remaining an integral pillar of support and relief for the Awam (people) of Jammu and Kashmir.
Army also constructed a steel bridge in record time on 4th Tawi River Bridge in Jammu after it washed away in floods beside also constructed a steel bridge at Zangalwar Doda on Jammu-Kishtwar NH 244 after a portion of the road washed away due to cloudburst. Army also played its key role in Chishoti Padder after the village was hit by the cloudburst on August 14, 2025 claiming over 100 lives.
