Hundreds avail Army's medical help in Kashmir's remote areas

Srinagar, May 16 (UNI) Several hundred people of remote areas in the Kashmir valley have availed the medical facilities extended by the Army during the past few days, a defence spokesman said today.

He said a medical camp was organised by 33 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) at Dudipura village near Handwara. Three Army and as many civilian doctors provided free of cost treatment to the villagers of Dudipura, Chak Dudipura, Shaikpura, Bakihakar, Chalpura, Lacchipura, Wadapur and Khurmur.

The team, comprising a medical specialist, a lady doctor and a dental surgeon, provided treatment to about 3500 patients, including women.

Another camp was organised by 29 RR at Solus (Kreri) village in Baramulla district yesterday which provided treatment to about 700 villagers of Solus, Hel, Vizar and Dungdar.

The camps are an endeavour by the Army to lend a helping hand to the people residing in remote areas of the Kashmir valley and to bring medical facilities at their doorstep, the spokesman said.

''Such camps have generated enormous goodwill for security forces among the civil population. The locals have appreciated the initiative demanded more such camps in future,'' he added.

The spokesman said a programme on AIDS awareness was also conducted separately for men and women patients during the camps.

Meanwhile, the 21 RR organised an excursion for children of various schools in Rajwar, Ramhal and Qaziabad areas to Gulmarg.

As many as 27 boys and girls and two teachers visited Gulmarg for sight seeing and picnic.

On their return, the children urged the Army authorities to organise more such visits, which have recreational as well as educational value, in future, the spokesman said.

He said the RR held a Maha Panchayat of about 4000 people at Kangan town recently.

Commander Manasbal Sector Brigadier Jahangir, in his address, exhorted the locals to spread the message of peaceful Amarnath pilgrimage as it will promote tourism in the area.

The increasing number of tourists would bring more financial benefits to the locals and enable them to lead a better life.

Brig Jahangir also inaugurated a cricket tournament featuring 45 teams of the area. He asked the youth to stay on the path of righteousness. He also dedicated a bus stand erected by 24 RR for the people of Chattargul and Kachh-i-Nambal.

UNI AG RL KN1813