Ex-servicemen to begin hunger strike

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, June 28

Annoyed with the attitude of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre in implementing the one rank, one pension scheme, the Ex-servicemen’s Welfare Association of Jalandhar Cantonment has decided to stage a peaceful hunger strike in front of the District Administrative Complex (DAC) from June 29 to July 1 from 10 am to 7 pm to convey their grievances to the Central government. The Association says the Centre is trying to delay and dilute the demand for OROP.

The hunger strike is being observed in support of those who have been protesting in Delhi. Lt Col Balbir Singh (retd), president, Ex-servicemen’s Wellfare Association, said the BJP government is hurting the sentiments of the ex-servicemen by not fulfilling its promises made during the election rallies and also during the PM’s Mann Ki Baat programme on radio. This is causing discontent and frustration among veterans who may, in an agitated mood, indulge in unlawful activities which may not be good for the government, if they are not attended to with pride and honour.

He said the government is creating a hiatus between officers and other ranks by spreading false news without realising the implications at the national level. Therefore, implementing the one rank, one pension scheme at the earliest is the only solution to calm down the ex-servicemen, Lt Col Balbir Singh (retd) said.

“As many as 30 ex-servicemen will sit on hunger strike tomorrow. However, around 200 people will be supporting them. We will not hesitate to intensify the protest, if the government fails to implement OROP. Plans are being made to organise rallies in Bihar prior to the assembly elections there,” he added.

Lt Col Balbir Singh (retd) said the hunger strike will be observed in other districts too in support of their demands.