Kupwara, May 28: In a significant outreach initiative to mark Eid-ul-Adha and the seasonal migration of local herders to upper mountain pastures, Indian Army, in coordination with the Department of Animal Husbandry, organised a comprehensive Medical and Veterinary Camp at Dardpora village in the Lolab Valley of North Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
Dardpora, a remote village inhabited largely by Gujjar, Bakarwal and Pahadi communities, witnessed enthusiastic participation from locals, particularly women and young girls. The presence of a woman Army doctor was widely appreciated, enabling women from conservative backgrounds to comfortably seek medical consultation and treatment.
The camp also included a civilian veterinary medical team that examined and treated livestock, an essential source of livelihood for local herders preparing for their annual migration towards high-altitude grazing grounds. Medicines for both residents and livestock were distributed free of cost.
Villagers described the initiative as a thoughtful Eid gift from the Army. “This camp has come at the right time when families are celebrating Eid and our livestock is getting ready for migration. Our Rashtriya Rifles unit has always stood with us in times of need,” said a local resident.
Another woman participant expressed gratitude for the dedicated healthcare support, saying the interaction reflected the Army’s genuine concern for the welfare of the people.
The initiative, a collaborative effort between the Army and the local civil administration, further strengthened the bond between the Army and local communities, reinforcing mutual trust and cooperation in the remote frontier region.
