Leh :- The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) along with First Lady, Smt Neelam Mishra, attended the Veterans Rally and Pension Adalat 2024 organised by Fire & Fury Corps at Rinchen Auditorium.
Stating that none of the countries can remain stable where its soldiers, ex-servicemen and veer naris are not respected, the HLG highlighted the priority given by developed nations such as the United States to its soldiers and war heroes. He also stated that the welfare and benefits of soldiers, ex-servicemen, veer naris, and war heroes have been taken care of since Shri Narendra Modi became the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India more than a decade ago. He appreciated the Indian Army for caring for the welfare and benefits of soldiers, ex-servicemen, veer naris, war heroes and widows.
Appreciating the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme implemented by the Government of India for the welfare and benefit of ex-servicemen, the HLG stated that none of the retired Army personnel are facing financial issues due to the OROP scheme. He also stated that the ex-servicemen, veer naris and war heroes/widows should be grateful to the nation for what it has done for them and highlighted the need to contribute to the nation’s security for its overall development in all fields. He asked the Army officials in uniform to work for the welfare of the ex-servicemen as they would also retire from the service one day and become ex-servicemen.
Highlighting the importance of the introduction of the Agniveer/Agnipath scheme to keep the Army young and fresh, the HLG asked all the soldiers, ex-servicemen, veer naris, war heroes and widows to promote the scheme among the Ladakhi youth and encourage more youth to join the Indian Army for the welfare and benefit of Ladakhi society and the nation. He also expressed his displeasure over people spreading misinformation and rumours about the Agniveer/Agnipath scheme.
Terming the sacrifices of martyrs for national security as the ultimate sacrifice, the HLG stated that it is the priority along with the responsibility and duty of the Administration and the Army to take care of them. He expressed pleasure to see the Indian Army doing this duty with full responsibility and due diligence in this regard. The HLG asked the ex-servicemen, veer naris, war heroes and widows to take full advantage of the Veterans Rally and the Pension Adalat and asked them for their contribution to take the nation forward with the same vigour and dedication.
The HLG informed the audience about his meeting with the Hon’ble Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah in which he requested him to grant one more Army battalion for Ladakh. He also hoped to see the addition of the new battalion in Ladakh soon.
The HLG felicitated veer naris and war heroes during the event.
GOC 14 Corps, Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, stated that the main objective of organising the Veterans Rally and Pension Adalat is to familiarise with the issues faced by the ex-servicemen, veer naris, war heroes and widows and take necessary steps to address the issues. He highlighted various initiatives taken by the UT Administration and the Indian Army for the welfare and benefit of the ex-servicemen, veer naris, war heroes and widows. He also stated that the Fire & Fury Corps is committed to providing all possible assistance to resolve the issues faced by the ex-servicemen, veer naris, war heroes and widows.
Earlier, GOC Sub-Area, Major Gen Ravinder Kumar, welcomed the guests to the event while President, Ex-Servicemen League, Hon Captain Sonam Morup gave the vote of thanks.
GOC 14 Corps Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla; Chief of Staff 14 Corps Maj Gen VK Singh; GOC Sub-Area Maj Gen Ravinder Kumar; Ashok Chakra Chering Motup; Director, Sainik Welfare Department, Col (Retd) Lobzang Neema; Zila Sainik Welfare Officer, Kargil, Arvind Kumar Pawar; President, Ex-Servicemen League, Hon Captain Sonam Morup; ex-servicemen, veer naris, war heroes and widows from different parts of Ladakh were present during the event.
