DH NEWS SERVICE
jammu, Apr 20
In a remarkable display of courage and compassion, the Indian Army carried out a life-saving humanitarian operation to evacuate a critically ill woman from a remote mountainous village in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. The incident highlights the Army’s continued commitment to providing assistance in inaccessible regions where civil infrastructure remains limited.
The operation began on the night of April 18, 2026, when a distressed villager reached a nearby Army base seeking urgent medical help for his wife, Sheetla Devi, who was suffering from severe seizures. Recognising the gravity of the situation, Army personnel responded without delay despite the challenging conditions of darkness and difficult terrain. A team was immediately mobilised and made its way to the remote village of Chill, situated at an altitude of around 7,500 feet.
Navigating through rugged mountain paths under limited visibility, the troops reached the patient’s residence and promptly administered first aid. Their timely intervention helped stabilise her condition in the absence of any immediate medical facility. The difficult terrain and lack of connectivity underscored the urgency and complexity of the rescue effort, making the Army’s swift response all the more critical.
With the patient stabilised, the next phase of the operation was carefully planned for daylight. On the morning of April 19, Army personnel undertook a challenging evacuation mission to transport the woman to the nearest accessible road point at Ghar Katiyas. The route, spanning nearly three kilometres, consisted of steep gradients, dense forest cover, and no motorable track, posing significant physical challenges.
Demonstrating exceptional endurance and determination, the soldiers carried the patient on a stretcher across the treacherous terrain for almost three hours. Their coordinated effort ensured that the woman was moved safely without further risk to her health. The operation required not only physical strength but also careful handling and teamwork to maintain the patient’s stability throughout the journey.
Upon reaching the road head, the patient was immediately shifted to a vehicle and transported to the Primary Health Centre in Dudu. She is currently reported to be in stable condition and receiving necessary medical treatment. The successful evacuation stands as a testament to the Army’s efficiency and preparedness in dealing with emergencies in remote areas.
Such operations underline the broader role played by the Indian Army beyond its primary responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s borders. In regions where access to healthcare and emergency services is limited, the Army often becomes the first responder, bridging critical gaps and providing timely assistance to civilians in distress.
This incident reflects the values of service, resilience, and humanity that the Indian Army upholds. By extending help in times of need, especially in isolated and challenging environments, it continues to strengthen its bond with local communities. The rescue operation in Doda not only saved a life but also reaffirmed the Army’s unwavering dedication to humanitarian service and its role as a dependable pillar of support in times of crisis.
