Srinagar, Sep 30 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday hailed the Indian Army and Armed Forces Medical Services for performing 364 vision-restoring surgeries under Operation Drishti, saying the initiative demonstrated that determination and compassion could take modern healthcare to even the most remote areas.

Addressing the closing ceremony of the Army's 11th Mega Eye Surgery Camp in Srinagar, Sinha said the initiative was a "living embodiment of service, compassion, courage and resolve".

Of the 364 surgeries, 144 were conducted at the Srinagar camp and 220 at Tangdhar in Kupwara district, where the Army organised what officials described as the first mega eye surgery camp on the border.

"Those who have seen Tangdhar's geographical conditions understand that reaching there with assistance is itself a challenge. One must cross mountains, traverse difficult terrain and at times advance even amidst the danger. Yet, in this very challenging and uncertain environment, our doctors and brave soldiers, under the leadership of Brigadier Sanjay Mishra, created a centre of hope," Sinha said.

The Lieutenant Governor said modern surgical equipment was airlifted to Tangdhar, enabling advanced eye care in an area where such facilities were previously unavailable.

An underground operation theatre was created at Tangdhar, allowing doctors to perform 220 surgeries in two days, he said.

Patients from Khawarpora, Tangdhar, Bagbella and adjoining villages benefited from the camp.

"This is true courage, dedication to duty and the real meaning of service. This entire effort has proven one thing beyond doubt that where resolve is firm, no difficulty, however great, can block the path of human service by Indian Army," Sinha said.

He said the 364 surgeries performed in Srinagar and Tangdhar should not be viewed merely as medical statistics, but as interventions that had helped restore dignity and hope to beneficiaries.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Under Operation Drishti, more than 1.5 lakh people have undergone eye examinations and over 3,500 surgeries have been performed across 10 cities, according to the Lieutenant Governor.

Sinha said the initiative had also strengthened the relationship between the Army and local communities.

"Indian Army is not only a force that defends the country from external threats, but also a source of support, compassion and healing for ordinary citizens of Jammu Kashmir in times of need. By restoring sight, the Army has given patients a new vision of peace, trust and togetherness," he said.

The Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and appreciated Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra and his team for their efforts.

He said the Srinagar camp was not the end of Operation Drishti but part of an ongoing effort to extend quality healthcare to villages and towns across the country.

"The experience of Operation Drishti gives us confidence that with determination, better planning and compassion, modern medicine can be delivered to every corner of the country," Sinha said.

During the ceremony, Sinha felicitated doctors and medical staff of the defence forces for their services and handed over post-operative kits to beneficiaries.

Lieutenant General Balbir Singh, GOC Chinar Corps; Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Senior Consultant and HOD, Department of Ophthalmology, Army Hospital R&R; Brigadier B V Rao, Commandant, 92 Base Hospital, and senior defence officials attended the event.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, SSP Srinagar G V Sundeep Chakravarthy and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo were also present.(KNS)