Capt Amarinder condemns manhandling of ex-servicemen at Jantar Mantar

CHANDIGARH: Congress Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha Capt Amarinder Singh today condemned the brutal manhandling and eviction of the ex-servicemen from Jantar Mantar who were holding a peaceful relay hunger strike to press for their long pending genuine demand for ‘One Rank One Pension’ (OROP).
He told the Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the time had come when he should fulfil the commitment he had made to the nation, that the ex-servicemen will get the OROP, before the elections.“It is strange and shocking that the people who made us live safe, secure and comfortable at our homes, by giving their life guarding our borders and fighting our wars have no become a security risk for this government”, he regretted in a statement issued here today. He blamed the Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung for the police action as the Delhi Police works under the directly under the LG.The former Chief Minister warned that the misbehaviour, manhandling and humiliation meted out to the personnel who risked their lives while protecting the country will have nationwide reaction. “Beware of the day when the ex-servicemen will stop resorting to peaceful means to press for their genuine demands”, he warned, while adding, that their (ex-servicemen’s) patience must not be tested.Asserting that the time had come when Mr Modi must fulfil his commitment made to the nation before elections that all the ex-servicemen will get one rank one pension, he hoped that the Prime Minister will make the announcement tomorrow to brighten the Independence Day celebrations not only of the ex-servicemen but all the countrymen who will be more than happy over the decision.Moreover, he said, it was matter of just Rs 9000 crores which should not mean much, particularly when it concerns the welfare of the people who gave their lives to safeguard our borders and won our wars.