Early Times Report
Kathua, July 9: The ex servicemen volunteers under the banner of Jammu & Kashmir Welfare Association (JKESWA) continued their agitation/dharna for the consecutive 25th day in Kathua here today in support of their long pending demand for implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP). Led by Col PL Choudhary (Retd), Founder Chairman of the Association, the Ex servicemen/Veer Naries of District Kathua started their agitation on June 14 at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Park Kathua, demanding implementation of one OROP immediately.
Addressing a large number of Ex Servicemen and Veer Naries on the occasion Col Choudhary, Founder Chairman JKESWA informed the protestors that a delegation of ex servicemen led by Lt Gen Kadiyan had met Amit Shah, National President of BJP on this July 7 and apprised him about their demands. The National President BJP heard the delegation very patiently and assured the delegation that OROP shall be implemented very soon. However, he did not specify the date but only gave assurance thus Joint Front of ESM holding relay hunger strike thereafter decided to continue with their relay hunger strike till a exact is announced by the centre. And to extend its moral support, Co Choudhary said the agitating ESM/Veer Naries in Kathua shall also continue their ongoing struggle in Kathua.
Col Choudhary informed that a Veer Naries receive only Rs 3500/- as basic pension which is meager and insufficient to make both ends meet.
Col Badyal, Capt Gian Singh Pathania, District President, Capt Balbir Singh, Capt JR Sharma, Capt Tarsem Singh, Capt Jeet Singh, Capt Hukam Singh.Singh, Sat Pal, Bina Devi also were present on the protest venue and addressed the gathering. |
