In the wake of relentless shelling from Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, a beacon of hope has emerged for civilians residing along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. Indian Army doctors, through a dedicated surgical eye camp, have restored sight to hundreds who were deprived of medical care due to the heightened tensions in the border regions.
Operation Sindoor was launched by the Indian Armed Forces in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam. Following the operation, ceasefire violations by Pakistan resulted in the targeting of civilian areas, causing injuries and damage to infrastructure.
The advanced surgical eye camp, organized by the Command Hospital Northern Command, Udhampur, screened over 1,500 people and performed more than 400 intricate surgeries in just three days. The beneficiaries included not only soldiers and war widows but also civilians from remote districts such as Poonch, Jammu, Rajouri, Ramban, Kishtwar, Doda, and Udhampur. Despite geographical barriers, individuals travelled from far-flung areas to seek treatment.
The medical team, under the leadership of Maj Gen Sanjay Sharma, Commandant, Command Hospital Northern Command, Udhampur, and spearheaded by Brig Sanjay Kumar Mishra, a decorated ophthalmologist, transformed makeshift halls into operating theaters. The team included Lt Col Ravi Chauhan, Lt Col Ashutosh Kumar, and Maj Amrita Joshi, along with paramedical staff from Army Hospital (Research and Referral), Delhi. They overcame logistical challenges, harsh terrain, and power supply issues to deliver cutting-edge medical care. The camp utilized specialized ophthalmological equipment, representing current best practices, to facilitate cataract, retina, and vitreous surgeries. Complex procedures were performed for cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal ailments.
Surinder Singh, a 72-year-old from Poonch who witnessed the loss of his neighbors during Operation Sindoor, was among those who benefited from the camp. After regaining his sight, he helped mobilize other villagers for treatment. Similarly, Abdullah Shafeeq, a retired soldier from Mendhar, played a crucial role in connecting families to the camp. One notable case was that of 96-year-old Rajkumari Devi, who regained her sight after decades.
Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, the Northern Command Army Commander, stated that the initiative, backed by 'Operation Sadbhavna,' showcased the Army's compassionate approach, blending advanced medical care with a spirit of service. The camp, which concluded on Friday, November 21, 2025, was lauded as a miracle by beneficiaries. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conceived this humanitarian effort following a request from Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, with Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi ensuring its swift execution.
Prior to this camp, the same team of Indian Army doctors had conducted advanced eye surgery camps in Dehradun, Jaipur and Bagdogra.
