Excelsior Correspondent
![Army officer and others during flag-in function at Poonch.](http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/page63-300x225.jpg)
POONCH, Nov 10: Commander, Poonch Brigade, Brigadier NS Brar today flagged in the participants of artificial limb fitment tour from Delhi.
This tour of 40 needy local amputees was flagged off on October 31 to Delhi under Operation Sadbhavana, which passed through Jammu, Jallandhar, Chandigarh, Ambala, en-route to Delhi and back.
Shah Mohammad Tantray, MLA Poonch and other prominent citizens of Poonch Town were also present to welcome the amputees.
In a first of its kind, the needy locals of Haveli, Mendhar and adjoining villages of Poonch, were taken to Delhi for undertaking on the spot fitments of artificial limbs in concert with “Pritam Charitable Trust” Poonch. Artificial limbs were provided free of cost to the amputees by Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahatiya Samiti, Ahimsa Bhawan, Karol Bagh, New Delhi.
Since 1948, due to trans LoC firing and mine fields laid along the Line of Control, terrorism and natural calamities, a sizeable number of civilians have lost their limbs and are physically challenged. A majority of these disabled persons live in remote areas and are underprivileged. The disability, combined with poverty and lack of awareness, denies access of rehabilitation to these persons. Every physically challenged sufferer has a right to be gainfully employed and rehabilitated, therefore, the artificial limb fitments bring dignity of life to many of those who otherwise would have remained crippled for life.
Under the aegis of Poonch Brigade, Durga Battalion with a missionary zeal is committed towards improving the quality of life of the people with disabilities by organizing such tours.