Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Dhiraj Seth felicitated Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Khour, Satish Sharma, at the Sunderbani Brigade in recognition of his outstanding leadership and exemplary service during Operation Sindoor. The honour acknowledged his decisive role in coordinating one of the largest civilian evacuation efforts along the Line of Control (LoC), ensuring the safety of thousands of residents amid intense cross-border shelling and rapidly evolving security conditions.
During Operation Sindoor, Satish Sharma supervised the evacuation of more than 73,000 civilians from 53 border villages located within an 8-kilometre radius of the Line of Control. The operation covered the majority of the estimated 86,000 residents living in vulnerable areas, reflecting a swift and well-coordinated response to the escalating security situation.
Under his leadership, nearly 17,000 displaced residents were accommodated in relief camps established to provide shelter and essential support. The evacuation and relief efforts required close coordination between the civil administration, the Indian Army, local authorities and emergency response teams to ensure that civilians were moved safely despite the challenging conditions on the ground.
Officials highlighted that Satish Sharma remained in the field throughout the operation, personally overseeing evacuation efforts even as heavy shelling, damaged infrastructure and blocked roads complicated rescue operations. Working closely with Army units and field teams, he continuously monitored the evolving situation, enabling timely decisions that helped protect vulnerable communities.
His proactive leadership and timely interventions are credited with saving at least 80 lives, as several residents were evacuated shortly before their homes were destroyed in shelling. The successful execution of the evacuation ensured that Khour Sub-Division recorded zero civilian fatalities during Operation Sindoor, marking a significant humanitarian achievement under extremely difficult operational circumstances.
The felicitation by the Chief of the Army Staff also underscored the importance of close civil-military cooperation during crises. The coordinated efforts of the Indian Army and the civil administration enabled the rapid movement of thousands of civilians to safer locations while ensuring the continued delivery of relief and assistance to those affected by the conflict.
General Dhiraj Seth commended the dedication, courage and commitment displayed by Satish Sharma during the operation, noting that effective leadership under pressure plays a vital role in safeguarding civilian lives during emergencies. The recognition reflects the Indian Army’s appreciation for the unwavering support extended by civil authorities in maintaining public safety and strengthening resilience in border areas facing operational challenges.
The successful evacuation carried out during Operation Sindoor stands as a testament to the effectiveness of coordinated disaster and conflict response mechanisms, demonstrating how timely decision-making, determined leadership and seamless cooperation between military and civil agencies can significantly reduce the human impact of conflict in sensitive border regions.
