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| Second Inning: decorated soldiers want to be heard | | | Early Times Reporter
Jammu | Nov 26
After playing a glorious inning in upholding honour of country and protecting its citizens, the retired soldiers of Jammu, drawn from different ranks and files, are alleging an official apathy to their issues.
To make their issues known and press for their demands, the former soldiers took out a silent black protest march and demanded 15 per cent reservation in govt jobs and exemption of value added tax on canteen items.
Disciplined but full of anger ex-serviceman from Jammu region gathered here today in front of the office of the divisional commissioner Jammu and handed him a memorandum listing all their demands for immediate redressed. Widows, senior retired army officers including Param Vir Chakra awardee Bana Singh, Lt Gen Retd Anoop Singh Jamwal, Maj General GS Jamwal, Col Harpal Singh were prominent among those who participated in the silent black march which passed through old city area before reaching Mubarak mandi.
Large number of decorated ex-servicemen wearing black badges on their arms marched through the streets holding placards and black banners in their hands.
Ex-serviceman are demanding-reservation of 15 per cent in Government jobs like other Northern states, exemption of VAT for the soldiers and ex-servicemen, annuity to gallantry awardees by the State at par with neighbourting states of HP, Punjab and Haryana, land for setting up of ex-servicemen colonies, revival of Sainik Vanaspati co-operative and establishment of Ministry for ex-servicemen in Jammu and Kashmir.
PVC awardee Bana Singh said the Jammu and Kashmir govt is spending heavy amount on various projects but when it comes to paying annuity to brave soldiers it pleads lack of funds.He said at present he is receiving annuity amount of Rs 166 per month while Punjab govt is paying Rs 12 500 per month to PVC awardees. He said the state govt has failed to address problems of ex-servicemen and doing little enough for their welfare.There is no reservation in govt jobs for ex-servicemen unlike other state govt.We are paying 12.5 per cent VAT which is quite hefty comapred to 4-5 per cent in other states.
After handing over the memorandum to the Div Comm Maj Gen GS Jamwal said, "last year we apprised the state government with our demands but no progress has been achieved till date. He said," we are struggling for the right cause and added our fight will continue till we get justice.
Another ex-serviceman Col Harpal Singh said, we will further agitate if teh state govt failed to respond in time.We have submitted list of our demands and now it is up to them to respond.He said the state govt is indifferent and adopting insensitive behaviour.
Lt Gen Anoop Sinh Jamwal said, justice delayed is justice denied, I plead before the state govt to look in to the demands of the ex-servicemen and resolve pending issues. We should not let down our brave soldiers and do whatever we can to make their lives comfortable and peaceful. They are guardians of the Nation and they must be respected, he added. After receiving the memorandum Divisional Commissioner Mr Sudhanshu Pandey said, he has received copy of the memorandum from chief of J&K ex-servicemen league and he would apprise the govt with their demands appropriately to ensure that the ex-servicemen get their due benefits without much delay. |
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