I
Sir,
I am a doctor. I am posted at primary health center in District Samba of J&K.
Incidentally my place of posting is a last border village. For the sake of security reasons, I will not disclose exact location.
This small five bedded hospital is facing Pakistani border observation post. When I joined here, first question I asked to my one of colleagues was “Is it safe to work here?”.
Pat came the answer in one voice from the local staff” Absolutely safe !”
I was so astonished to know how come a place which is at almost on zero line and where during shelling soldiers maintain eyeball to eyeball contact is absolutely safe.
You know what was the reason. It’s safe because mortar shells overshoot the village. This village is too close to be hit by Pakistani mortar shells. I couldn’t control my laughter.
During recent ceasefire violation, I had first hand experience of the plight of border public. On first day of shelling I reached my office literally crawling in fields because normal routine was in direct range of Pak snipers.
I and my medical team were given clear cut instructions to stay at PHC 24×7, till the time villagers are shifted to safer places.
However, some villagers were reluctant to be shifted despite our repeated requests.
I failed to understand their reluctance. Finally I called one elder and asked him about the reason behind refusal. His disclosure opened my eyes. I realised things are not that simple as we feel sitting in out drawing rooms watching TV channels.
For most of us cross border shelling is just a news. One gory picture and we change the channel. That person revealed if we shift then who will take care of our live stock ?
Who will feed them? If our cattle are injured who will provide them first aid or move them away from line of direct fire?
I realised live stock for these people is their livelihood. The way I am performing my duties in line of fire , same is the case for them.
Loss of few animals means permanent lay off. Loss of cow or buffalo to these people means their one kid leaving the school and going for daily wages next day to compensate the loss.
Yours etc….
Dr Kapil Sharma
Jammu
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