Excelsior Correspondent
VIJAYPUR, May 10: Congress workers today held a strong protest demonstration against the Central Government for ignoring thousands of ex-servicemen who fought battles with Pakistan and China in 1965, 1962 and 1971 as regular Indian Army personnel.
Led by former Minister and PCC general secretary, Manjit Singh, the protesters assembled here outside the office of SDM Vijaypur and started protest. The protesters were shouting slogans against the Union Government for neglecting the ex-servicemen who were discharged from the duty after the war was over with Pakistan and even China.
Speaking before the protesters, Manjit Singh said, the soldiers who were recruited in 1950, 1951 and 1952 have been abandoned by the Defense Ministry by not including them in one-rank-one-pension.
“These ex-soldiers were sent back home under reserve category by the Indian Government on the pretext that the military has more soldiers than required. They were assured that on their requirement, they would be recalled by the Indian Military,” Manjit Singh said.
He said that they were recalled in the Military following which these personnel fought bravely in 1965 with Pakistan, 1962 with China and in 1971 with Pakistan.
However, they were again sent back home under reserve category with monthly pension i.e. Rs 3500 which was very less in comparison to present day ex-servicemen.
Presently, the ex-servicemen get Rs 15,000 as monthly pension. Mr Singh appealed the Government of India to give them their right and include them in one-rank-one-pension so that they should not be isolated.
He warned that if their demands were not accepted, they along with the families will come on the roads.
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