A woman being diagnosed during a two-day mega eye and cataract surgical camp, ‘Operation Drishti’ for eye care services organised by the Indian Army at Tangdhar, in Kupwara. File.
| Photo Credit: ANI
Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday (September 30, 2026) praised the Army for conducting 144 eye surgeries in Kashmir and termed it “a historic milestone”.
“Despite challenging terrain and the constant threat, doctors and soldiers created an underground operation theatre and restored vision to 220 patients in just two days,” said Mr. Sinha, who spoke at the closing ceremony of Indian Army’s Mega Eye Surgical Camp under ‘Operation Drishti’.
Appreciating the “selfless service” of Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra and his team, Mr. Sinha said the Operation Drishti was a living embodiment of service, compassion, courage, and resolve.
“144 surgeries were successfully performed at the Srinagar camp, while the Tangdhar camp in Kupwara district marked a historic milestone as the first mega eye surgery camp on the border,” he said.
Mr. Sinha said 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,” Mr. Sinha said.
He said modern surgical tools were airlifted to Tangdhar, enabling advanced eye care in a region where such facilities were previously unimaginable. Patients from Khawarpora, Tangdhar, Bagbella, and surrounding villages benefitted 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,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He said more than 1.5 lakh people have undergone eye examinations and more than 3,500 surgeries have been performed across 10 cities under Operation Drishti.
“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.
He said 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.
“This is the resolve of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas” and under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it is being ensured that no citizen is left behind,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Published – October 01, 2026 01:24 am IST
