 Early Times Report
AKHNOOR, Feb 25: The Akhnoor Ex-Servicemen Association held its monthly meeting under the chairmanship of Naval Ex-Serviceman Engineer Lakhbir Singh Sohal to discuss various welfare concerns of ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, and widows.
The meeting began with a two-minute silence to pay tribute to Captain Karamjit Singh Bakshi, N.K. Mukesh Singh, Sub. Santosh Kumar, and N.B. Sub. Sunil Kumar, who recently sacrificed their lives while protecting the nation in the Akhnoor Sector and Ladakh. The association expressed heartfelt condolences to their families. Key issues such as pension benefits, healthcare, employment, rehabilitation, and welfare schemes were discussed. The chairman also briefed members on the latest rules concerning various ex-servicemen welfare schemes. During the meeting, Chairman Lakhbir Singh Sohal informed the members about discussions held with the Chief Minister and Advisor Zainab Aslam Wani regarding their memorandum submitted on Ex-Servicemen Day (January 14). The demands include:
Construction of Sainik Bhawan
Building a bridge over the Chenab River outside Akhnoor South town
Developing a bypass road connecting Punu Chowk
He also urged the government to waive high tax rates on canteen items, including liquor, as done in other states. The Chief Minister and his Advisor assured that the demands would be addressed soon.
The chairman welcomed the newly joined ex-servicemen and appreciated Subedar Rameshwar Dutt for organizing a meeting at Jiodia on February 16, attended by ex-servicemen from Akhnoor, Jiodia, Khaur, and Pallanwala.
The meeting was conducted by Subedar Major (Retd) Mani Ram Bhagat, who presented the monthly activity report.
Prominent attendees included Sunita Sharma, Subedar Rameshwar Dutt, Captain Santosh Kumar, Bodh Raj, Gurmukh Singh, Puran Chand, Om Prakash, Bhagwan Das, Karan Singh, Jugal Gupta, Kaka Ram, Banarasi Das, and Shanti Swaroop.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthen the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families. |
