Kewal Pathania meets Rajnath Singh, seeks defence support for ex-servicemen

Shahpur MLA and Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania met Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in the capital and raised several key issues concerning the state of Himachal Pradesh, with special emphasis on the Shahpur constituency in Kangra district — a region with a significant number of serving and retired Army personnel.

Pathania highlighted the recent sacrifice of Subedar Pawan Singh Jarial from Shahpur, the first martyr in Operation Sindoor. He requested urgent sanctioning of a War Memorial in the martyr’s honour, noting that the state government had already allocated land for the project.

He also addressed the dire need for improved facilities for ex-servicemen in Shahpur. The existing ECHS clinic operates from a cramped state hospital building, he said. He informed the Minister that 00-24-00 hectares of land had been transferred by the state for a dedicated Type-C ECHS Polyclinic, a CSD Canteen, and a Sainik Rest House, but financial clearance from the Ministry of Defence was still pending.

Further, Pathania sought resolution on a disputed 5.91-acre land parcel, currently under state departments, but owned by the Centre, proposing a land exchange to ensure optimal use for community needs.

The Defence Minister assured Pathania that all genuine demands would be considered sympathetically and necessary support would be extended.