Aijaz Dar
Kulgam 03 October:, comprehensive veterinary and medical camp organised by the 34 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion at Mandobal Closure Ground on October 3, 2026 at Kulgam under the banner of Operation Sadbhavana, emerged as a significant humanitarian outreach initiative aimed at supporting the Gujjar and Bakarwal communities residing in the remote and difficult terrain of the region.
The camp was organised with the objective of providing essential medical assistance to local residents and veterinary care for their livestock, which forms an important part of the livelihood and daily life of the nomadic and pastoral communities. The initiative brought much needed healthcare and veterinary services closer to people who often face difficulties in accessing specialised facilities because of geographical and logistical challenges.
During the camp, medical services were extended to local residents, with healthcare professionals attending to people with various health concerns and providing necessary medical advice and assistance. The initiative placed particular emphasis on reaching vulnerable sections of the community and ensuring that basic healthcare services were made available at their doorstep.
Alongside the medical facilities, a dedicated veterinary component was organised for livestock belonging to the Gujjar and Bakarwal families. Veterinary personnel examined animals and provided necessary healthcare guidance, recognising the crucial role livestock plays in the economic well being and traditional livelihood of these communities.
The outreach was particularly significant as livestock is not merely a source of income for the Gujjar and Bakarwal population but is also closely connected with their seasonal movement, food security and overall livelihood. By addressing the health of their animals, the camp provided direct support to the families dependent on them.
The initiative also served as an important platform for direct interaction between the security forces and the local population. Personnel of the 34 Rashtriya Rifles engaged with residents, listened to their concerns and interacted with members of the Gujjar and Bakarwal communities in a cordial and supportive atmosphere.
The camp reflected the broader humanitarian objective of Operation Sadbhavana, which focuses on strengthening relations between the security forces and local communities through welfare, development and community outreach initiatives.
For residents of the remote area, the availability of medical and veterinary services at the camp provided immediate relief while also creating greater awareness about healthcare, animal care and preventive measures. Such initiatives can play an important role in addressing basic needs in areas where access to regular healthcare and veterinary infrastructure remains challenging.
The programme also highlighted the importance of sustained civil military cooperation in remote and far flung areas. Regular interaction between security personnel and local communities helps create channels of communication, encourages mutual understanding and enables authorities and security forces to better understand the challenges faced by people living in difficult terrain.
The successful conduct of the camp generated a positive response among the local residents, who appreciated the efforts of the 34 Rashtriya Rifles in extending medical and veterinary assistance to the community. The initiative was seen not only as a healthcare outreach programme but also as a meaningful effort towards strengthening the bond between the security forces and the people.
The veterinary and medical camp at Mandobal Closure Ground thus stood as a notable example of community oriented outreach under Operation Sadbhavana. By combining healthcare assistance, veterinary support and direct engagement with the local population, the initiative addressed immediate humanitarian needs while simultaneously contributing towards greater trust, cooperation and goodwill between the security forces and the Gujjar and Bakarwal communities.
Such initiatives underline the significance of people centric outreach in remote areas, where timely healthcare, veterinary assistance and sustained community engagement can make a meaningful difference to the lives and livelihoods of local residents.
