Kupwara (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], October 27 (ANI): The 28th Infantry Division of the Indian Army organised a three-day 'Artificial Limb Fitment Camp' at Trehgam in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district. The initiative aims to provide artificial limbs, wheelchairs and rehabilitation assistance to persons with disabilities residing in remote and border areas of the region.

The camp, organised on Sunday as part of the Army's continued outreach efforts under its Sadbhavana programme, seeks to empower differently abled individuals and improve their quality of life through medical and mobility support. The initiative also reflects the Army's sustained commitment to the welfare of people living in far-flung regions of Jammu and Kashmir.

Beneficiaries of the initiative expressed heartfelt gratitude towards the Indian Army for its humanitarian efforts. Ghulam Mohd Lone, one of the recipients, said the camp has proven to be a source of great relief for several poor families who are otherwise unable to afford assistive equipment.

'We are very grateful. Many poor people come here and receive wheelchairs and artificial limbs... We hope this continues so that more and more people can receive help,' Lone told ANI.

Another resident appreciated the Army's outreach but urged for similar camps to be held across the tehsil levels, citing the travel difficulties faced by many disabled individuals.

'Specially abled individuals get a lot of help here... My one request is that this programme be held in tehsils because disabled people cannot travel far, so they can come to their nearest tehsil and avail the benefits,' the resident said.

Meanwhile, in Poonch district, the Balnoi Battalion of the Indian Army's Krishna Ghati Brigade organised a talent hunt competition for students as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations commemorating the 1965 Battle of Operation Hill at the Line of Control (LoC).

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students belonging to remote and economically weaker areas of Mankote tehsil. The competition aims to encourage young talent, provide them with a platform to showcase their skills, and commemorate the valour and sacrifices of soldiers who fought during the historic battle.

Imtiaz Waseem Hashmi, Principal of Mankote School, appreciated the initiative of the Indian Army, stating that such programmes play a vital role in identifying and nurturing the hidden potential of students from rural backgrounds.

'A spectacular talent hunt was held here, with children from two clusters within the Mankot tehsil participating. The competitions included painting, singing, and dancing... The children here are from remote areas. They are poor and have limited qualifications, but they have no shortage of talent. If programmes like this continue, the children here will bring glory to this region across India,' Hashmi told ANI. (ANI)