Col Pushpinder Singh (retd) of 3 Grenadiers and Havildar Major Singh (retd) of 3 Sikh Light Infantry have spurned all requests to reconsider their “fast unto death.”
In an open letter to the PM, meanwhile, ten former chiefs of the three services have said they are “deeply perturbed and distressed” by the “high-handed” police action on the protesting veterans on the eve of Independence Day during a drive to clear the area of protesters.
“We unequivocally condemn the action by the Police and urge the Government to investigate and take immediate action,” the former chiefs said.
“This indiscretion on the part of the Police has seriously impacted the pride and morale of all ranks of the three Services and the Veterans,” the chiefs wrote, adding, “these veterans are the same soldiers, who have displayed unflinching loyalty towards the Constitution and the Nation during their service and still remain motivated to die for a noble cause. Unfortunately their dignity and pride today stand scarred and is a cause for serious concern.”
They also regretted that the Prime Minister had not announced the implementation of OROP in his address to the nation on Independence Day.
At Jantar Mantar, the two veterans on hunger strike said they were forced to escalate matters after PM Modi failed to announce OROP in his speech. “It was a demoralising factor for us,” said Col Pushpinder.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar yesterday asked the veterans for four to five days more for a final resolution. The ex-serviceman now want a meeting with PM Modi.
For two decades, ex-servicemen have been demanding the same pension as people of the same rank who are retiring now. At present, an officer who retired many years ago is paid far less than someone several ranks junior to him retiring now.
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