Inside LoC Underground Theatre: Army Doctors Restore Sight, Hope For 220 Kashmir Residents

Deep inside the challenging terrain of Jammu and Kashmir’s Line of Control region, an underground operation theatre became a centre of healing and hope as Armed Forces Medical Services surgeons restored sight for 220 residents. Under Operation Drishti, Army medical specialists delivered advanced ophthalmic care, including cataract and complex eye procedures, to people living in one of India’s most difficult border environments.

Srinagar: Far away from the noise of battlefields and beyond the traditional role of defence services, a remarkable story of healing unfolded in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district, where an underground surgical facility near the Line of Control transformed into a symbol of medical compassion and human resilience.

Inside the rugged landscape of Tangdhar in the Karnah sector, Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) surgeons successfully performed 220 sight-restoring eye surgeries during a two-day Mega Eye Surgical Camp under Operation Drishti.

The medical mission, conducted on September 24 and 25, brought advanced ophthalmic expertise to residents of a remote border region where difficult terrain, harsh weather conditions and strategic sensitivities often create barriers to specialised healthcare access.

The underground operation theatre near the LoC was not just a medical facility; it became a beacon of hope for hundreds of residents waiting for a chance to see the world clearly again.

The 10th edition of the AFMS Mega Eye Surgical Camp showcased the unique capability of India’s military medical ecosystem to deliver cutting-edge healthcare even in the most challenging operational environments.

# Underground LoC Theatre Becomes A Centre Of Healing

Tangdhar’s proximity to the Line of Control makes it one of the most challenging locations for civilian infrastructure and healthcare delivery.

For residents of border villages, accessing specialised medical treatment often involves travelling long distances through difficult mountainous routes.

Operation Drishti changed that equation by taking advanced surgical expertise directly to the doorstep of the community.

Within the secure underground medical facility, AFMS specialists created an advanced surgical environment equipped with modern ophthalmic technology. The medical team carried sophisticated equipment across difficult Himalayan terrain to ensure that geography did not become a barrier between patients and treatment.

The camp included advanced procedures such as phacoemulsification for cataract removal, vitreoretinal interventions for retinal conditions and minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries.

These procedures reflected the integration of military precision, medical innovation and humanitarian outreach.

# Army Medical Specialists Bring Advanced Eye Care To Border Villages

The success of Operation Drishti was built around meticulous planning, medical expertise and community outreach.

Patients from Khawarpora, Tangdhar, Tadd, Bagbela, Yangdar and nearby hamlets participated in the camp after extensive screening and awareness efforts.

Local communication networks, including announcements through Radio Rooh-e-Karnah, helped identify beneficiaries who required specialised eye care.

From patient registration and medical evaluation to surgery and post-operative recovery, Indian Army personnel supported the entire healthcare journey.

For many residents, the camp represented more than a medical procedure. It was the return of independence, confidence and a better quality of life.

# Operation Drishti: Defence Medical Power Meets Humanitarian Service

Operation Drishti reflects the expanding role of Armed Forces Medical Services in providing specialised healthcare beyond military establishments.

The initiative represents a people-centric approach where defence medical capabilities are used to serve communities living in remote and underserved regions.

The programme combines advanced surgical infrastructure, experienced military doctors and operational logistics to overcome healthcare challenges in difficult locations.

The AFMS eye-care outreach series has already screened more than 1.5 lakh patients and conducted over 3,500 surgeries across 10 cities.

Earlier, an Operation Drishti camp at Military Hospital Namkum in Ranchi restored eyesight for more than 320 citizens through specialised ophthalmic procedures.

# Senior Defence Leadership Reviews Historic Medical Mission

The Tangdhar medical camp received appreciation from senior defence officials who visited the facility and interacted with beneficiaries.

Chief of Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth visited the camp, met patients and distributed medicines and support materials.

Director General Armed Forces Medical Services Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja also reviewed the medical initiative and praised the dedication of surgeons, paramedics and supporting teams.

The surgical mission was led by Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Head of Ophthalmology at Army Hospital (Research & Referral), Delhi Cantonment.

Under his leadership, the specialised team combined advanced ophthalmology techniques with military operational efficiency to execute complex procedures in a sensitive border environment.

# A Vision Beyond Medicine

The significance of Operation Drishti goes beyond the number of surgeries performed.

For residents of Kashmir’s border areas, restored vision represents restored possibilities — the ability to work, study, live independently and reconnect with everyday life.

Each successful surgery carried a personal story of struggle, patience and renewed hope.

The initiative highlighted how modern defence medicine can extend beyond national security responsibilities and become a powerful instrument of public service.

# Jammu And Kashmir Leadership Appreciates AFMS Initiative

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha appreciated the efforts of Armed Forces Medical Services and highlighted the importance of providing specialised healthcare in a challenging border region.

The successful completion of 220 surgeries was recognised as a significant achievement reflecting medical excellence, commitment and service.

The mission also aligns with the broader philosophy of Operation Sadbhavna, which focuses on strengthening community engagement and improving essential services in remote areas.

# What Happens Next

The AFMS Mega Eye Surgical Camp series will continue with the next camp scheduled in Srinagar from September 27 to 29.

The closing ceremony of the programme will be held on September 30 and will be attended by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

With thousands of beneficiaries already receiving treatment, Operation Drishti continues to demonstrate how technology, medical expertise and humanitarian commitment can overcome even the toughest geographical challenges.