Opinion | Beyond the Battlefield: The Indian Army’s Role in Supporting Communities During Crises

During emergencies, military personnel have helped evacuate stranded residents, transport essential supplies, assist injured people and support relief operations in areas where access becomes difficult or impossible.

When disaster strikes, the first priority is to save lives, restore hope and reach people who have been cut off from help. In India, the armed forces have repeatedly played an important role in these moments, particularly when floods, landslides, earthquakes and heavy snowfall overwhelm civilian resources. The Indian Army’s contribution during such emergencies reflects a responsibility that extends beyond national defence to humanitarian assistance and support for communities in distress. India’s geographical diversity exposes its people to a wide range of natural hazards. From the Himalayan mountains to the flood-prone plains, emergencies can develop quickly and leave entire settlements isolated. Roads may collapse, bridges may be washed away, electricity and communication networks may fail, and medical facilities may struggle to cope with the number of people requiring assistance. In these circumstances, the Army’s logistical capacity, trained personnel, transport resources and experience of operating in difficult terrain can make a significant difference.

Jammu and Kashmir offers a particularly important example of this role. Its mountainous landscape, severe winters and vulnerability to floods and landslides create recurring challenges for communities. During emergencies, military personnel have helped evacuate stranded residents, transport essential supplies, assist injured people and support relief operations in areas where access becomes difficult or impossible. The devastating floods of September 2014 in Jammu and Kashmir demonstrated the scale of such challenges. Large parts of the Valley were inundated, homes and public infrastructure were damaged, and thousands of people required urgent assistance. The Army undertook extensive rescue and relief operations, helping evacuate stranded residents and distribute essential supplies. The crisis also demonstrated the importance of coordination among the armed forces, the National Disaster Response Force, local administration, police, health workers and volunteers. Such operations are not limited to major floods. In high-altitude and border areas, heavy snowfall can cut off villages for days or even weeks. When roads become impassable, residents may face shortages of food, medicines and other necessities. Military personnel operating in these regions are often familiar with the terrain and its seasonal difficulties. Their ability to move through challenging environments can help relief reach people who might otherwise remain isolated.

The Army’s contribution during emergencies also extends to medical assistance. Field medical facilities, emergency treatment, the transportation of patients and support for vulnerable residents can become crucial when ordinary healthcare services are disrupted. For an injured person in a remote village, timely evacuation may determine whether treatment arrives soon enough. For an elderly resident stranded during severe snowfall, access to medicine and basic supplies can be equally important.Humanitarian assistance also has a psychological dimension. During a crisis, fear and uncertainty often deepen when families are separated, homes are damaged or communication with relatives is lost. The presence of trained personnel who can organise evacuations, offer immediate assistance and maintain order may provide reassurance. Yet the success of these efforts ultimately depends on understanding local needs, respecting the dignity of affected people and ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most. Beyond emergency response, the Army has also undertaken community-oriented initiatives in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, including medical camps, educational support, sports activities and vocational programmes. Such initiatives can help address practical difficulties in remote areas, although their long-term effectiveness depends on local participation, continuity and coordination with civilian institutions. Immediate relief saves lives during a disaster; sustainable development requires wider and lasting institutional support.

Author can b reached on email id : Aatiflonekashmir@gmail.com