State’s flip-flop on relief triggers protest in martyr’s village

Tribune News Service

Kheri Sampla (Rohtak)3, November 22

Shortly after political leaders and administrative officials left the village after BSF martyr Rai Singh’s cremation, fellow villagers and relatives of the slain soldier blocked the Delhi-Fazilka national highway No 10 passing through the village, seeking a higher compensation for his family.

The protesters demanded the same compensation of Rs 50 lakh as announced for the families of BSF martyr Sushil Kumar from Pehowa and Army martyr Mandeep of Antehri village in Kurukshetra district recently.

They demanded that the family of the slain BSF head constable should also be given Rs 50 lakh instead of Rs 20 lakh announced by the minister.

Sensing the sensitivity of the matter, local administrative officials rushed to the protest site and apprised the state authorities of the matter. The protesting villagers lifted the blockade on being assured of an enhanced compensation.

Earlier, talking to reporters at the cremation site, Haryana minister Krishan Lal Panwar stated that the monetary compensation for the families of martyrs would soon be raised to Rs 50 lakh and a notification to this effect would be issued shortly.

“The government is also making provisions for a separate department, budget and schemes dedicated to the welfare of personnel of the paramilitary forces and their family members,” he maintained.