MENDHAR DECM 26:-In an era where headlines are often dominated by conflict, confrontation, and chaos, certain moments rise above the noise to remind us of the deeper meaning of service, sacrifice, and humanity. One such moment is captured in a powerful image from the Pir Panjal region along the Line of Control (LoC): an Indian Army officer gently carrying a specially abled child in his arms. The child’s face reflects pure joy, trust, and comfort—a smile that speaks louder than a thousand words. The officer’s expression, calm yet deeply compassionate, reflects a bond that goes far beyond rank, uniform, or duty.
This officer is Colonel Anil Kumar Samal, Commanding Officer of 30 Punjab Regiment of the Indian Army—a man widely respected not only for his operational excellence but also for his extraordinary commitment to the welfare of civilians living in some of the most difficult and sensitive regions of the country. In the rugged terrain of the Pir Panjal range, where life is shaped by harsh weather, geographical isolation, and the constant shadow of cross-border tension, Colonel Samal has emerged as a beacon of hope, humanity, and selfless leadership.
The photograph of him holding a specially abled child is not a staged moment, nor a symbolic gesture for publicity. It is a genuine reflection of his personality and his approach to leadership—one that places human dignity at the heart of military service. For the people of the Krishna Ghati sector and surrounding areas, this image resonates deeply because it mirrors their lived experience with an officer who has consistently stood by them in times of need.
As Commanding Officer in one of the most sensitive sectors along the LoC, Colonel Anil Kumar Samal shoulders immense responsibility. His role demands constant vigilance, strategic precision, and unwavering courage in the face of hostile threats. Yet, what sets him apart is his belief that defending the nation does not end at guarding borders—it also includes protecting, supporting, and uplifting the citizens who live along those borders.
During his tenure in the Pir Panjal region, Colonel Samal has transformed the relationship between the Indian Army and the local population into one built on trust, empathy, and mutual respect. Over the course of just one year, he has personally spearheaded and organized more than 22 welfare and outreach events in the Krishna Ghati sector—an extraordinary achievement by any standard.
These initiatives include large-scale medical camps that provided free consultations, diagnostics, and medicines to hundreds of civilians who otherwise have limited access to healthcare facilities due to remoteness and poor infrastructure. Recognizing the dependence of border communities on livestock for their livelihoods, he also organized veterinary camps, ensuring timely treatment and care for animals that form the backbone of rural economies in the region.
Understanding the importance of youth engagement and positive social activities, Colonel Samal promoted sports events aimed at channelizing the energy of young people toward healthy competition, discipline, and teamwork. These events not only encouraged physical fitness but also strengthened bonds between the Army and local youth, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.
One of the most impactful and emotionally significant initiatives under his leadership was a special event dedicated to persons with disabilities. In regions like Pir Panjal, where families often struggle with poverty and limited access to specialized medical support, persons with disabilities face immense challenges. Acknowledging this reality, Colonel Samal ensured that essential assistive devices such as artificial limbs, hearing aids, wheelchairs, and other support equipment were provided to those in need. For many beneficiaries, this initiative was life-changing—restoring mobility, dignity, and hope.
Equally noteworthy was his engagement with ex-servicemen through dedicated rallies and interactions. These events honored veterans for their service and sacrifices, reaffirming the Army’s enduring bond with those who once wore the uniform. Such gestures reinforced the message that service to the nation is never forgotten and that every soldier remains part of the larger Army family, long after retirement.
Colonel Anil Kumar Samal’s leadership has also been tested in moments of crisis. During Operation Sindoor, he not only displayed exemplary courage and tactical skill in countering enemy threats but also demonstrated remarkable compassion toward civilians affected by the conflict. While leading his troops against hostile forces, he simultaneously ensured that local populations received essential supplies, including food and medicines, under extremely challenging conditions. This dual commitment—to national security and civilian welfare—epitomizes the finest traditions of the Indian Army.
His humanitarian role became even more prominent during the land-sinking incident in the Kalaban area of Mendhar. As homes were damaged and families rendered homeless, fear and uncertainty gripped the region. Once again, Colonel Samal rose to the occasion. Under his direction, the Army provided immediate shelter to affected families, arranged food and essential supplies, and extended every possible form of assistance to help civilians cope with the disaster. For those families, the presence of the Army was not just reassuring—it was lifesaving.
The people of Mendhar, Krishna Ghati, and surrounding villages often speak of Colonel Samal not merely as an officer, but as a guardian and a well-wisher. His approachability, humility, and genuine concern for people’s problems have earned him widespread admiration. He listens, he understands, and he acts—qualities that are increasingly rare yet desperately needed in leadership roles.
The image of him holding a specially abled child captures the essence of this leadership. It reflects a soldier who understands that true strength lies in kindness, that authority gains meaning through service, and that the uniform carries a moral responsibility toward every citizen of the nation. In that moment, the child’s smile becomes a symbol of trust in the Indian Army, a testament to the belief that those in uniform are not distant protectors, but compassionate members of the same national family.
Colonel Anil Kumar Samal represents the finest ethos of the Indian Army—an institution that has always balanced valor with virtue, and strength with sensitivity. His work in the Pir Panjal region stands as a powerful reminder that even in areas marked by conflict and hardship, humanity can flourish through sincere leadership and selfless service.
As the nation salutes its soldiers for guarding its borders, stories like this remind us that their contribution goes far beyond military victories. They build bridges of trust, heal wounds left by isolation and neglect, and restore faith in the idea of a caring and united India.
In Colonel Anil Kumar Samal, the people of Pir Panjal have found not just a Commanding Officer, but a man with a golden heart—a one-man army of courage, compassion, and commitment. His legacy in the region will not only be remembered in official records or operational reports, but in the countless lives he has touched, uplifted, and inspired.
At a time when the world often questions the cost of conflict, this story offers a powerful answer: that the true victory of any army lies not only in defeating enemies, but in winning the hearts of its own people.
JAMMU DECM 26:-Aimed at accelerating the pace of development in District Poonch, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today chaired a virtual meeting to comprehensively review the progress of ongoing developmental works in the district.
The review meeting was attended by the District Development Commissioner (DDC), Poonch, Ashok Kumar Sharma, along with Heads of Departments and key district officers representing various line departments.
The meeting was convened to assess both physical and financial achievements across all sectors, schemes and development plans currently under implementation in the district during the 2025–26 financial year.
The Minister undertook a detailed evaluation of the district’s developmental roadmap, with special emphasis on critical infrastructure projects and public welfare initiatives.
While chairing the meeting, Rana stressed the importance of achieving the set targets within the stipulated timelines, underscoring that quality and transparency must not be compromised at any stage.
He directed the officers to expedite project implementation and ensure that processes such as tendering, approvals, and on-ground execution are carried out in a fast-track and time-bound manner.
Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to the holistic development of District Poonch, the Minister instructed officials to maintain meticulous sector-wise documentation of progress and submit weekly updates to enable continuous and effective monitoring.
He further called for enhanced inter-departmental coordination and real-time monitoring mechanisms to bridge implementation gaps and ensure that UT and Centrally Sponsored Schemes reach the grassroots level in a timely and effective manner.
During the meeting, the Minister also reviewed the prevailing power supply scenario and the status of ongoing power infrastructure works in the district.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), particularly for a hilly district like Poonch, he described the scheme as a transformative initiative for strengthening the power distribution network in Jammu and Kashmir.
He directed the concerned officers to formulate a proactive roadmap to ensure the successful and timely implementation of RDSS in the district.
The Minister further emphasized that no payments should be released without thorough physical verification of all ongoing and completed works.
He instructed officers to conduct regular on-ground inspections to verify quality, progress, and adherence to approved specifications, reiterating that financial disbursements must be strictly linked to verification reports.
Additionally, the Minister reviewed the progress of J&K Green Drives being implemented by the Poonch Forest Division. He reiterated that any bottlenecks hampering the execution of projects and schemes must be resolved immediately to avoid inconvenience to the public.
Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner presented a detailed scheme-wise overview of the physical and financial progress of developmental works being executed in the district.
He informed the meeting that under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), 151 works are underway in Haveli, 17 in Mendhar, and 67 in Surankote constituencies.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), the Deputy Commissioner stated that 19 works have been allotted in Mendhar, while 23 works have been allotted in Poonch.
He further apprised that under the Public Works Department (PWD), 225 works have been approved in Poonch, 18 in Surankote, and 742 in Mendhar.
Providing an update on rural development initiatives, he informed that under the Rural Development Department (RDD), a total of 3,280 works have been tendered, out of which 2,842 works have been allotted.
He also shared details of works being executed under the Irrigation & Flood Control Department, Ground Water Division, Border Area Development Programme, and other schemes, assuring that concerted efforts are being made to expedite their completion.
The Deputy Commissioner also briefed the meeting on the implementation of Tribal Welfare Schemes in District Poonch. He informed that under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes, 317 works have been allotted and are currently at different stages of completion.
He further highlighted welfare initiatives being implemented under schemes such as SCA to TSS, PMAAGY, and DAJGUA.
SRINAGAR DECM 26:-Ahead of the winter season, Smile Foundation (NGO) organized a relief distribution drive in the Nowgam Sonawari area of Bandipora on Friday, bringing much-needed assistance and smiles to hundreds of underprivileged families, including widows. The initiative aimed to help vulnerable sections cope with the harsh winter conditions.
The program was led by Smile Foundation Chairperson Ms. Masrat, along with Ms. Farkanda, General Secretary, Youth Society Hajin, Patron Hidayat Hajini, and other team members. During the drive, essential winter items including blankets, fire pots (kangri), and warm clothes were distributed among poor and needy families.
Speaking to the media, Ms. Masrat said the initiative was launched to provide timely relief to families struggling to meet basic winter needs. She emphasized that Smile Foundation remains committed to standing with the underprivileged and will continue such welfare activities to ensure no family is left unsupported during extreme weather conditions.
She further said that winter poses serious challenges for poor households, especially widows, elderly people, and children. Ms. Masrat noted that small acts of support can bring dignity and hope to struggling families and encouraged volunteers to actively participate in humanitarian work at the grassroots level.
Ms. Masrat also urged people from all walks of life to come forward and support charitable initiatives. She appealed to socially conscious individuals, organizations, and donors to extend help in any possible form, stating that collective efforts can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing hardship during the winter months.
RAJOURI DECM 26:-Residents of Gundi Khawas raised serious allegations against the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) department, accusing it of using substandard construction material in the ongoing road work in their area.
The issue was highlighted during a public Darbar organised by the District Administration Rajouri, where locals expressed strong resentment over the poor quality of work, stating that the road has already started showing signs of damage despite being recently constructed.
Addressing the public forum, the residents claimed that inferior material was being used in violation of prescribed norms, posing risks to commuters and resulting in wastage of public funds. They demanded immediate inspection and quality testing of the road.
The aggrieved people appealed to the Deputy Commissioner Rajouri to personally intervene in the matter and order a thorough inquiry. They urged the administration to ensure accountability of the officials and contractors involved and to take strict action if the allegations are found to be true.
The Deputy Commissioner assured the public that the complaint would be examined on priority and appropriate action would be taken as per rules after verification by the concerned technical authorities.
