Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Dheeraj Seth, felicitated Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Khour, Satish Sharma, at the Sundarbani Brigade in recognition of his exceptional administrative leadership and contribution to civilian safety during Operation Sindoor.
The Army honoured Sharma for his role in coordinating one of the largest civilian evacuation efforts in the border region during the operation. Working in close coordination with the Army, police, and civil administration, he led the evacuation of residents from 53 villages located within an 8-kilometre radius of the International Border, ensuring the timely movement of civilians to safer locations amid challenging security conditions.
According to officials, Sharma supervised the formation of Village Action Teams (VATs) to facilitate grassroots-level coordination and emergency response. Under his leadership, the administration strengthened medical preparedness, arranged transportation for evacuees, established fully equipped relief camps, and set up a 24×7 control room to enable real-time coordination among multiple agencies.
Official figures indicate that more than 73,000 people out of an estimated 86,000 residents in the affected area were safely evacuated, while around 17,000 were accommodated in designated relief camps. Authorities reported that no civilian fatalities occurred in the Khour subdivision during the evacuation process.
Officials also highlighted Sharma’s continuous presence in the field throughout the operation. Despite shelling, damaged road infrastructure, and communication disruptions, he remained on the ground, monitoring evacuation efforts and coordinating with Army units, emergency responders, and local officials to ensure residents from vulnerable areas were moved to safety.
The administration noted that prompt evacuation measures prevented significant loss of life, including in areas where several residential structures were later destroyed during the hostilities. The operation resulted in the complete destruction of 11 houses and partial damage to more than 25 others.
Following the evacuation, Sharma worked alongside Army personnel to conduct damage assessment surveys covering residential property and livestock losses. He also supervised the distribution of government relief and compensation to affected families to ensure timely assistance.
The felicitation by the Chief of Army Staff underscores the importance of close civil-military coordination during emergency situations in border areas, highlighting the role of district administration alongside the armed forces in safeguarding civilian lives during crises.
