Bhanu P Lohumi

Tribune News Service

Shimla, March 5

Napalese porter Sandeep Sharma, attached with 2 Ladakh Scout in Jammu and Kashmir who had sustained a serious hand injury in a landslide, has got a fresh lease of life as Army has come forward for help.Taking notice of the report published in The Tribune, the Army swung into action and provided him medical and financial assistance. Some NGOs and individuals have also come forward for help.A detailed medical examination was conducted at military hospital at Shimla where his minor wounds and injuries were treated and he thereafter was shifted to the IGMC Shimla. The Army sources revealed that Sandeep was diagnosed with forearm nerve paralyses but there was no need for amputation and he was taken to Base hospital, Delhi Cantonment and was under treatment since February 4. Sandeep, who returned after treatment, said that he had been called for a check-up after three months and thanked the Indian Army for providing him free medical treatment. He said that the Army has also offered him the job of a supervisor in Leh and asked him to report by March 13 but he is apprehensive to join as the doctor has told him that cold weather can hamper his recovery. However, the Army sources could not be contacted for confirmation.“I had requested the Army authorities to provide some funds so that I could start something of my own but they turned down the request and offered me a job in Leh”, says Sandeep who plans to approach the Army chief for help.

THE CASE

• The incident dates back to January 13, 2015 when Sandeep Sharma (in pic) was on his way to a forward post from Berchok post in third glacier navigating a heard of mules when a massive landslide occurred and four mulesdied on the spot while his hand was broken.
• “I was told that the injury was minor and I need not worry but later when my hand stopped working I was discharged from duty with a token payment of Rs 5,000 and wasleft to fend for myself”, he said.
• It was then that the Tribune team spotted that hewas shelter less and spending nights in the open inbus stand and railway station.