Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 30: Jammu and Kashmir Ex-Services League Executive Committee took stock of the situation emanating from the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the State into Union Territory.
While welcoming the abrogation of Article 370, the League however did not endorse the decision of bifurcation of the State into two Union Territories. However considering the discrimination and humiliation Jammu had suffered for the last 72 years, the League members accepted it in good faith as loyal soldiers.
They felt that while 6 months is not enough time to assess the situation yet they felt that the Union Territory Administration must address the Ex-Servicemen problems immediately which include the land for the Housing Colonies which has not been handed over to them as promised and not a single house has come up in 20 years. They also demanded the Army Welfare Housing Scheme to provide houses as in other States.
They felt that the State Government should provide 15 percent reservation instead of 6 percent at par with the neighbouring States. This reservation should also be available in the Police and other Belt Forces of the State, including Forest Protection Force etc which should be sanctioned immediately to give the right message. The members also felt that Sainik Vanaspati Cooperative which became sick and was closed due to the wrong taxation Policy of the Govt, should be revived as part of the new Industrial Policy. It will also generate employment, they added.
President of the League, Maj Gen (Retd) Goverdhan Singh Jamwal assured that the new Administration was very keen and committed to meet their demands who have given their best to the country and are now living in the most sensitive State. It was decided to submit a memorandum of demands to the Government for immediate actions.
The veterans congratulated the new Army Commander of the Northern Command, Lt Gen Y K Joshi who is also the Colonel of the JAK Rifles which had created this unique State across the Himalayas. The President welcomed his decision to hold Regiment’s Bicentenary Celebrations at Jammu instead of Jabalpur from 11 Apr to 13 Apr this year. He appealed to the Govt and the civil society to welcome them with open hearts.
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