Ex-servicemen to take part in Delhi rally

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 29

Ex-servicemen from Punjab will join veterans from other parts of the country at a rally to be held at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, in protest against the non-implementation of the promised the “one rank, one pension” (OROP) formula.

Addressing mediapersons here today, a section of ex-servicemen flayed the government’s alleged apathetic attitude towards the cause of serving and retired armed forces personnel.

Brig KS Kahlon (retd), president of the Punjab chapter of the All-India Ex-Servicemen’s Brotherhood, said about 5,000 ex-servicemen from various parts of the state would participate in the “maha rally” scheduled to be held in Delhi on February 1.

He said the shortage of manpower in the armed forces had adversely affected the national security. It also led to increased stress and workload on soldiers. The government had failed to address the situation and meet aspirations of those in uniform, he alleged.

Terming it as the betrayal of ex-Servicemen, Brig Harwant Singh (retd) said despite the OROP having been announced on the floor of Parliament and the Prime Minister personally assuring its implementation several times, lame excuses were being extended to justify the delay.