While the Indian Army is a disciplined force with military objectives, their humanitarian efforts showcase a softer, compassionate side.
As a citizen of Kashmir, I have had the privilege of witnessing the Indian Army’s critical role in providing humanitarian aid during times of natural disaster in this beautiful yet vulnerable region. As we know Kashmir is prone to various natural calamities such as floods, landslides, avalanches, and earthquakes. Over the years, the Indian Army has consistently stepped up to provide relief, rescue operations, and rehabilitation efforts. Their presence has been a source of comfort for the local population during some of the most challenging moments in our recent history. Kashmir’s geographical location and climatic conditions make it particularly susceptible to natural disasters. The most devastating of these in recent times was the 2014 floods, which wreaked havoc across the valley, displacing thousands of people and causing widespread destruction of infrastructure. Landslides are common in the mountainous regions, cutting off villages and hampering access to essential supplies. Avalanches in high-altitude areas often trap both locals and soldiers stationed along the Line of Control (LoC). Earthquakes, like the one in 2005, have also left indelible marks on the valley.
In the face of these challenges, the Indian Army, along with other governmental agencies, has provided timely and life-saving assistance. Their well-coordinated efforts, resilience, and efficiency during disaster relief operations have earned them the respect and gratitude. The Indian Army’s disaster relief operations in Kashmir are multifaceted, ranging from immediate rescue efforts to long-term rehabilitation initiatives. Their presence in the valley ensures that they are often the first responders in remote and difficult-to-reach areas. The first few hours following a natural disaster are the most critical. During these moments, the Army’s quick mobilization has been instrumental in saving lives. In the 2014 floods, for instance, the Army launched “Operation Megh Rahat,” one of its largest humanitarian relief operations. The Army’s helicopters and boats were deployed to rescue stranded civilians, provide food and medical aid, and airlift the injured to safety. Their ability to reach isolated areas, particularly in remote villages where civilian rescue teams may struggle, has often made the difference between life and death. The soldiers’ familiarity with the terrain, along with their discipline and efficiency, allows them to navigate challenging environments where roads may have been washed away or bridges collapsed.
During disasters, access to medical facilities is often disrupted, leaving the injured and sick vulnerable. The Indian Army sets up medical camps to treat those affected, especially in places where local healthcare systems are overwhelmed or inaccessible. Field hospitals, equipped with essential supplies, are swiftly established, providing immediate care for trauma, injuries, and illnesses. In high-altitude regions prone to avalanches, the Army has often been the first to reach stranded individuals. Their medical teams, trained for high-altitude rescue missions, have saved countless lives, often under harsh weather conditions.After the immediate rescue phase, one of the key challenges is the distribution of relief materials like food, water, blankets, and clothing. In the aftermath of the 2014 floods, thousands of families lost their homes and belongings, and the Army provided essential supplies in these difficult times. Helicopters air-dropped food packets and medicines to stranded families, and trucks delivered goods to relief camps. The Army’s logistical capabilities, including the use of helicopters and military transport vehicles, enable them to reach areas cut off by floods or landslides. This access to both air and ground support plays a crucial role in ensuring that relief materials reach those who need them most.
In the months and years following a disaster, the Army often remains involved in the reconstruction of infrastructure. Roads, bridges, and homes destroyed by floods or landslides are repaired or rebuilt by military engineers, allowing life to slowly return to normal. During the 2005 earthquake, the Army played a significant role in rebuilding schools and community centers, restoring a sense of normalcy in the affected areas. The Army’s role in long-term rehabilitation also extends to providing psychological support. In collaboration with local authorities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), they help in setting up counseling centers to address the trauma that survivors, particularly children, often experience after a disaster. While the Indian Army is a disciplined force with military objectives, their humanitarian efforts showcase a softer, compassionate side. The soldiers, many of whom are posted far from their homes, often form deep connections with the local people during these relief operations. The gratitude expressed by families rescued from floodwaters or those who have received essential supplies reflects the trust and dependence built during these operations.
For many, the sight of Army personnel during a disaster is one of relief and hope. Their efforts go beyond mere duty, reflecting genuine concern for the well-being of the people of Kashmir. While the Indian Army has played a pivotal role in disaster relief, it is important to recognize that disaster management is a collective effort. There is a growing need for collaboration between civilian authorities, local communities, and the Army to ensure more efficient responses to future calamities. Strengthening local disaster preparedness, improving early warning systems, and building more resilient infrastructure will help reduce the impact of natural disasters in Kashmir.
Writer can be reached at : syedjahanzeeb2@gmail.com