L-G Sinha Hails Indian Army’s ‘Vision of Service’ As Operation Drishti Restores Sight in J&K

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday lauded the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to serving the people of Jammu and Kashmir, praising its role not only as a security force but as a pillar of compassion, courage and public welfare.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 11th Mega Eye Surgery Camp under Operation Drishti in capital, Srinagar, the Lt. Governor said the initiative had once again demonstrated how the Army continues to stand by citizens in remote and challenging regions, delivering specialised healthcare where it was once unimaginable.

Sinha expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for supporting initiatives that bring advanced medical care closer to underserved communities. He also commended Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra and his team for their “selfless service and extraordinary resolve.”

Operation Drishti, he said, embodies “service, compassion, courage and determination,” with the latest phase marking a significant milestone. A total of 144 surgeries were conducted in Srinagar, while the Tangdhar camp close to the Line of Control (LoC) in northwestern Kupwara district—the first mega eye surgery camp held on the border—became a symbol of grit and innovation.

Despite harsh terrain, security challenges and limited infrastructure, Army doctors and soldiers built an underground operation theatre in Tangdhar, restoring sight to 220 patients in just two days, the officials said.

“Those who have seen Tangdhar’s geographical conditions understand that reaching there with assistance is itself a challenge,” Sinha said. “Yet, in this uncertain environment, our doctors and brave soldiers created a centre of hope.”

Modern surgical equipment was airlifted to the border region, enabling advanced procedures for patients from Khawarpora, Bagbella, Tangdhar and neighbouring villages. The Lt. Governor said the effort proved that “no difficulty, however great, can block the path of human service when the Indian Army is determined.”

Across Srinagar and Tangdhar, 364 surgeries were performed—each one, Sinha said, “a story of restored dignity and revived hope.” Nationally, Operation Drishti has screened more than 1.5 lakh people and conducted over 3,500 surgeries across 10 cities.

Sinha emphasised that the initiative has deepened trust between communities and the Army, reinforcing the message that the force is “not only a shield against external threats but also a source of healing and support for ordinary citizens.”

He saluted the courage of support staff, Air Force pilots and soldiers who transported equipment, prepared underground theatres and ensured complex surgeries in adverse conditions. “By restoring sight, the Army has given patients a new vision of peace, trust and togetherness,” he said.

Sinha affirmed that the 11th camp is “not the end but a continuation of the journey,” expressing confidence that Operation Drishti will reach more remote villages across India. The Tangdhar experience, he said, stands as an inspiring model for delivering modern medicine to the country’s farthest corners. “This is the resolve of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas,” Sinha said, adding that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, “no citizen is being left behind.”

Doctors and medical staff from the Defence Forces were felicitated during the ceremony, and post-operative kits were distributed to beneficiaries. Senior Army officials, including Lieutenant General Balbir Singh, GOC Chinar Corps, and Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra, attended the event along with civil administration officers.

The Chinar Corps posted on ‘X’ that the Army remains “prepared to serve and committed to care,” reaffirming its dedication to providing specialised healthcare and strengthening its bond with the people of Kashmir.

Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Head of Ophthalmology at Army Hospital (Research & Referral), Delhi, said Operation Drishti was “not merely a medical camp but a sustained mission to deliver quality eye care to people living in remote and challenging regions.”

Speaking at the closing ceremony of Phase-II of the Mega Cataract Surgery Camp at Chinar Auditorium at Badami Bagh Cantonment here, he noted that over 6,000 individuals had been screened through 18 camps held across multiple locations.

“I extend my gratitude to everyone who stood behind this effort. This is not just a camp—it is a continuing mission,” he said. He explained that the initiative prioritised patients with severe visual impairment, advanced cataracts, and those requiring glaucoma surgery.

The first phase of surgeries was conducted at the underground operation theatre of Chinar Corps, followed by the second phase at the 92 Base Hospital.

Patients were identified through screening camps in remote areas such as Machil and Tangdhar and were then brought in for treatment. “This initiative is about reaching citizens in the most difficult terrains of our country and ensuring they receive the care they deserve,” he said.

Brig Mishra added that Operation Drishti had now grown into a major national eye-care campaign, marking its 11th camp, with similar efforts previously conducted in Lakshadweep and Leh.

He expressed appreciation to the Defence Minister, Lt. Governor Sinha, the Army Chief, the Air Force, and medical teams from Delhi, Srinagar, and Tangdhar for their support. He also thanked the people of Kashmir for their trust, saying their encouragement strengthened the team’s resolve to continue the mission.

Brig Mishra acknowledged the vital role of 92 Base Hospital and its Commanding Officer in making the campaign possible.

Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Head of Ophthalmology at Army Hospital (Research & Referral), Delhi, said Operation Drishti was “not merely a medical camp but a sustained mission to deliver quality eye care to people living in remote and challenging regions.”

Speaking at the closing ceremony of Phase-II of the Mega Cataract Surgery Camp at Chinar Auditorium at Badami Bagh Cantonment here, he noted that over 6,000 individuals had been screened through 18 camps held across multiple locations.

“I extend my gratitude to everyone who stood behind this effort. This is not just a camp—it is a continuing mission,” he said. He explained that the initiative prioritised patients with severe visual impairment, advanced cataracts, and those requiring glaucoma surgery.

The first phase of surgeries was conducted at the underground operation theatre of Chinar Corps, followed by the second phase at the 92 Base Hospital.

Patients were identified through screening camps in remote areas such as Machil and Tangdhar and were then brought in for treatment. “This initiative is about reaching citizens in the most difficult terrains of our country and ensuring they receive the care they deserve,” he said.

Brig Mishra added that Operation Drishti had now grown into a major national eye-care campaign, marking its 11th camp, with similar efforts previously conducted in Lakshadweep and Leh.

He expressed appreciation to the Defence Minister, Lt. Governor Sinha, the Army Chief, the Air Force, and medical teams from Delhi, Srinagar, and Tangdhar for their support. He also thanked the people of Kashmir for their trust, saying their encouragement strengthened the team’s resolve to continue the mission.

Brig Mishra acknowledged the vital role of 92 Base Hospital and its Commanding Officer in making the campaign possible.