J&K/Rajouri (The Stellar News)Anil Bhardwaj: Indian Army has always been known for its ethos, values and traditions of highest order. The professional and humane face of Indian Army is well known and is always praised and commended. Following its ethos and traditions, Indian Army has been at the forefront and working alongwith the Awam in their fight against the COVID Pandemic. To support the people from remote areas Pir Panjal Ranges of Rajouri District, Indian Army at Samote organised medical and veterinary camp in Kandi and its higher reaches for Gujars and Bakarwals who are migrating to Pir Panjal Ranges and moving across to Kashmir valley.
COVID pandemic took the whole nation to a standstill. However, Indian Army has been at the forefront to ensure that the second wave of this pandemic doesn’t affect this region. In continuation of its efforts to fight against COVID pandemic and look after the medical requirements of livestock and cattle belonging to Gujjars and Bakarwals, Indian Army Unit at Samote alongwith Veterinary doctors from Rajouri District carried out a mobile medical and veterinary camp in the higher reaches of Pir Panjal Ranges of Kandi area of Rajouri district on 28 Jun 2020. The team of Medical Officer from Army and Ms Zahida Kouser from Kalakot and Veterinary doctors Mr Vikas Khajuria and Dr Shah Riaz of Rajouri district moved to various seasonal settlements of migratory population and provided medical and veterinary assistance at the doorsteps by visiting their Dhoks. A total of 95 Patients and 250 Sheep, 100 Horses, 130 Cow, 32 Ox and 112 Buffalos were benefitted from this mobile medical and veterinary camp. The veterinary camp was organised mainly with an aim to attend to the medical requirements of cattle and domestic animals reared by Gujjar and Bakarwal community. Generally, these migratory families and their livestock face lot of problems during migration. However, the mobile camp greatly helped these needy Gujjars and Bakarwals to prepare for their onward journey to higher reaches and towards valley. During this camp, stationery distribution was also carried out for the children. The entire activity was carried out keeping in mind strict COVID protocols. This event also gave an opportunity to spread awareness amongst the populace on COVID protection and importance of COVID vaccination.
The mobile medical and veterinary camp carried out for needy Gujjars and Bakarwal families has generated a lot of goodwill in the area. Locals have heartily appreciated the timely assistance given by the Indian Army to the needy Awam and have conveyed their sincere thanks and gratitude for this noble gesture.
