CHINAR CORPS ORGANIZES COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL RELIEF CAMP FOR MACHIL SECTOR VILLAGERS

In a powerful demonstration of compassion and commitment, the Chinar Corps of the Indian Army has extended a lifeline to the displaced residents of the Machil sector through a comprehensive medical and psychological relief camp. Held at the Government Degree College in Lolab, the camp served as a beacon of hope for over 170 villagers who have endured relentless cross-border shelling and psychological trauma over the past week.

The Machil sector, located in the northern frontier of Jammu & Kashmir has recently experienced a disturbing escalation in violence. Unprovoked and targeted artillery shelling by the Pakistani Army has plunged the border villages into chaos, forcing many residents - especially women, children and the elderly - to flee their homes in search of safety. While the Indian Army’s tactical preparedness and strong defensive positions thwarted direct attacks on military outposts the civilian population bore the brunt of Pakistan’s frustration and aggression. The trauma among villagers, particularly the vulnerable groups has been severe. Continuous shelling, sudden displacements and the fear of injury or death have caused immense psychological distress. With normal life brought to a standstill the urgent need for comprehensive medical attention and psychological first aid became critical.

Responding swiftly and with deep empathy, the Chinar Corps organized a multi-faceted relief camp that focused on both physical healthcare and emotional rehabilitation. The initiative, conducted in collaboration with local civil administration and healthcare experts was not just an act of medical outreach - it was an effort to restore dignity, morale and normalcy to lives disrupted by conflict. Held at the Government Degree College in Lolab, the camp witnessed the participation of over 170 villagers from the worst-affected areas of Machil. Many of them arrived with physical ailments, untreated injuries and psychological scars that had gone unaddressed due to the breakdown of basic services in their home villages.

The relief camp was carefully planned to address a wide spectrum of healthcare needs. The services provided included: Mental Health Awareness Sessions, these sessions educated the villagers on understanding psychological stress, recognizing symptoms of trauma and employing basic coping strategies. Psychological Counseling, Professional counselors provided one-on-one and group therapy sessions, particularly targeting symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety and depression. General Health Check-Ups, Medical teams conducted routine health examinations and provided diagnosis and treatment for various ailments exacerbated by displacement and stress. Emergency Medical Care, Immediate care was extended to individuals with injuries or chronic conditions that had been left unattended due to the conflict. Distribution of Essential Supplies Medicines, hygiene kits and other essentials were distributed among the villagers to support them in the days following their displacement. The camp was not just a short-term intervention but part of a larger strategy to rebuild confidence and ensure sustained recovery in the region.

The impact of the initiative was palpable. Displaced villagers, who had been living in fear and uncertainty, found reassurance and strength in the Army’s presence. Fatima Begum, a resident of one of the affected villages, shared her experience. “We have lived in fear for the past week. The nights were the worst - every loud sound made us think another shell was coming. This camp has brought us more than just medicines. It has brought us hope. Seeing the Army care for us like this makes us feel safe again.” The psychological counseling sessions proved especially impactful for children and elderly villagers, who often internalize fear more deeply. Many were seen opening up to counselors, a significant first step in processing trauma and beginning recovery.

Local civil authorities lauded the Chinar Corps for taking proactive steps in community rehabilitation. A representative from the district administration remarked: “This kind of outreach is not just about treating injuries. It is about healing communities. The psychological support provided by the Army is crucial in restoring normalcy, rebuilding trust, and helping these villagers reclaim their lives.” As the situation across the Line of Control gradually returns to normalcy, the Chinar Corps has expressed its intent to continue similar outreach programs in the future. Plans are underway for regular follow-up visits to monitor mental health progress and offer medical aid in other vulnerable regions.

Long-term psychological wellness programs are also being considered, including: Establishing mobile mental health units, partnering with civil society organizations and local healthcare providers, training local volunteers to act as first responders for mental health crises. Such sustained efforts underscore the Indian Army’s evolving role - from being a force of defense to becoming a force of development and healing in border communities.

The success of the Lolab medical and psychological relief camp has set a new benchmark in civil-military cooperation and humanitarian outreach. It exemplifies how the armed forces can play a transformative role in rebuilding communities ravaged by conflict - not only securing borders but also safeguarding the emotional and physical well-being of the people they protect. By placing humanity at the center of its operations, the Chinar Corps has shown that healing, compassion and resilience are the most powerful responses to violence and fear. The villagers of Machil may still live near a volatile border, but thanks to this initiative, they now walk forward with renewed hope, strength and a sense of security.