News Excerpt: 

Army has rolled out fresh measures to reach out to the locals and started its initiative by adopting Topa Pir village in Poonch district.

More about the news: 

• The village of Topa Pir hit the headlines after a video of alleged torture of civilians went viral in December last year, in the wake of four soldiers being killed in an ambush by militants.

• Three civilians were found dead after they were taken into custody for questioning by the Army.
• The incident evoked widespread criticism and dented the goodwill among the Gujjars and Bakarwals, who mainly inhabit areas close to the Line of Control (LoC) in the region. 
• Lieutenant General and General-Officer-Commanding (GOC) of the White Knight Corps, in-charge of the Pir Panjal valley, apprised J&K Lieutenant Governor about the Army’s outreach to locals, besides briefing him about the current security situation there.

What is Operation Sadbhavna?

• It was launched by the Indian Army in 1998.
• Operation Sadbhavana is a unique humane initiative undertaken by the Indian Army in J&K and Ladakh to address the aspirations of people affected by scrooge of terrorism, sponsored and abetted by Pakistan.
• Operation Sadbhavana focuses on improving the core social indices of Education, Women & Youth Empowerment, and Health care with a simultaneous thrust on capacity building by implementing community/infrastructure development projects.
• From humble beginnings, this project run under the aegis of Udhampur based Northern Command of Indian Army, has today grown into a multifaceted initiative that aims to truly empower Kashmiris and not merely pamper them.
• In early 2020, the new Army Chief Gen Naravane and Northern Army Commander Lt Gen YK Joshi undertook a de-novo drive towards Sadbhavana by making education, skilling and employment generation as the focus areas of people and other youth-centric initiatives. 
• Operation Sadbhavana is aimed at helping the people to help themselves. Under it the Army acts as a facilitator and catalyst for development projects that are identified jointly with the state administration and the people. 
• Efforts are concentrated on projects at the village level.  
• The Army actively assists in planning, provides technical assistance, makes available specialized equipment and conducts supervision.  
• Maximum use is made of local labour, craftsmen and material so that the money spent on the projects is pumped into the local economy. 
• Completion of projects in a time bound frame is the priority. In fact all projects under the Operation Sadbhavana have so far been completed in record time.
• Focus Areas  
  • Women and children have been the worst sufferers of terrorist activities.   So they have been the natural focus of the Operation Sadbhavana for improving their lot and ameliorate their sufferings.  
  • Thus, the projects of the Operation Sadbhavana have been connected with providing quality education, women empowerment, better healthcare and community development.
• Major Programs under Sadbhavana scheme:

• • Running Army Goodwill Schools in Kashmir that provide quality education at affordable cost to children in remote areas where schooling facilities are either non-existent or primitive.

• • Operating centers for community development, skilling, women empowerment and youth guidance.

• Conducting tours outside Kashmir to enhance awareness amongst locals.
• Regular conduct of medical and veterinary camps in remote areas.
• Launching employment-generating initiatives.
• Inculcating interest in extracurricular activities and pursuing talent and hobbies by organizing events where the youth can demonstrate their talent and proficiency in music, art and sports.
• Conduct of coaching for all-India competitive exams and establishment of Youth Employment Guidance Nodes.

Conclusion:

The Indian Army's proactive measures to engage with locals in the sensitive areas show the commitment to rebuilding trust and fostering goodwill. Addressing the fallout from the troubling incident, the Army's Sadbhavana scheme aims to enhance community relations and restore stability in the region, emphasizing collaboration for lasting peace.