Need to be more vigilant after JKP busted terror module: LG to armed forces

Jammu, Nov 22: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday asserted that in the backdrop of Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) dismantling a pan-India terror network, the armed forces needed to remain vigilant to protect borders and foil desperate attempts of the neighbouring country to disrupt peace.

He asserted that the Army contributed in creating sustainable peace and development of J&K. He also lauded the “selfless service and supreme sacrifices by the Indian Army”, which he said, was “the symbol of unity and national integration.”

LG Sinha was addressing the gathering at the closing ceremony of the mega eye camp 'Op Drishti' for veterans, Veer Naris and civilians, organised at Command Hospital Northern Command, Udhampur.

The four-day long camp witnessed cataract surgeries performed by a professional team of eye surgeons from Army Hospital Research and Referral, Delhi.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi also extended their felicitations, through video messages, to the Northern Command, Armed Forces Medical Services for their unique and noble endeavour and for providing emergency medical care as and when required to the people of J&K.

The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the Armed Forces should continually adapt to and remain vigilant against the rapidly changing security environment.

“The neighbouring adversary is making desperate attempts to disrupt peace and hinder India's progress. Recently, the Jammu and Kashmir Police unearthed and dismantled a pan-India terror network that was planning to carry out a series of terrorist attacks across the country. In such a situation, we must remain alert to protect the nation's honour, protect our borders, and preserve our unity and integrity,” he said.

Profusely appreciating the role of Armed forces for valiantly tackling the security threats thus paving way for enduring peace and progress in J&K, the Lieutenant Governor said, “I am proud of selfless service and supreme sacrifices by the Indian Army, the symbol of unity and national integration. The army has contributed in creating a conducive environment for sustainable peace and overall development of the J&K UT as well as the growth of our country.”

LG Sinha, in his address, commended the Northern Command, Armed Forces Medical Services, Army Hospital Research and Referral, Delhi and the professional medical team associated with the camp for setting the highest example of humanitarian ideals before the nation.

A first-of-its-kind advanced surgical eye camp ‘Op Drishti’ was organised by Command Hospital, Northern Command, Udhampur from November 18-22, 2025, in collaboration with the surgical team from Army Hospital (Research and Referral), New Delhi.

The camp exceeded expectations as more than 2,000 people were screened and over 400 surgeries performed, including complex procedures for cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal ailments.

He also lauded Brig Dr Sanjay Mishra, a renowned eye specialist at Army Hospital Research & Referral, Delhi for his selfless service to society.

“Leadership qualities are important for making a fearless soldier and dedicated officer, who leads from the front and lives by example. This camp is testament to such leadership who are inspiring the communities and building a healthy society,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He appealed to everyone to participate in eye donation and inspire others for the noble cause. He said the camp significantly raised awareness about vision-related diseases and offered vital guidance on necessary eye care.

“Such camps in remote areas reach vulnerable populations who are often unaware of their eye conditions or lack the necessary income and resources for treatment, bringing critical care directly to those in need,” he added.

The Lieutenant Governor praised the brave personnel of Indian Armed Forces for their unwavering courage and sacrifices to effectively address the security threats.

“Our great nation remains committed to the values of peaceful coexistence, mutual harmony, and friendship. Today, India does not need to prove its prowess. The nation's valiant Armed Forces stand as a powerful testament to its valour,” LG Sinha said.

An educational handbook on quality eye care was also released on the occasion. The camp provided medical support to residents from the far-flung districts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Udhampur, Doda, Rajouri, Poonch, Kishtwar, and Ramban.

Sunil Sharma, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in J&K Legislative Assembly; Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, GOC-in-C, Northern Command; Surgeon Vice Admiral Aarti Sarin, Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services; Lt Gen CG Muralidharan, Director General, Medical Services (Army); Brig Dr Sanjay Mishra; Saloni Rai, Deputy Commissioner Udhampur, senior officials, veterans, veer naris, and people from different walks of life were present.

During the camp, the surgical team consisted of highly skilled and experienced ophthalmologists led by Brigadier SK Mishra, a distinguished ophthalmic surgeon and Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at Army Hospital (Research and Referral), who has the distinction of performing surgery on two Presidents of India.

Union Minister of State in PMO Dr Jitendra Singh visited the camp on November 20, 2025, and interacted with the patients. He toured the Department of Ophthalmology, where he was briefed on the hospital’s state-of-the-art facilities, patient care programs, and ongoing free eye-screening initiatives. He had also lauded the Indian Army for its multifaceted role, stating that while the Army’s service during wartime is exceptional, its contribution to humanity and dedication to serving society in times of peace is equally immense.

The genesis of this impactful medical mission lay in a shared vision of service, conceptualised by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, following a request from the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

Responding swiftly to this call for vital healthcare outreach, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi instructed the highest echelons of military medicine - DG, AFMS and DG Medical Services (Army) - to meticulously plan and execute the camp's operations. To guarantee clinical excellence, the Chief of the Army Staff further instructed the setting up of a specialised camp within the operational area of Udhampur.